Texas residents fume over proposal to put data center next to a Buddhist monastery
Residents and a Buddhist monastery in Westlake, Texas, are opposing a proposed 1 million square foot data center, citing concerns about noise, health impacts, and property values. The opposition coincides with a directive from Governor Greg Abbott for audits of all pending data center power grid connections across the state. Town officials state the project meets safety standards and will boost municipal revenue while adhering to local noise ordinances and water usage caps.
A proposed 1 million square foot data center in Westlake, Texas, is facing strong opposition from local residents and a neighboring Buddhist monastery. Concerns primarily revolve around potential noise pollution, health impacts, and negative effects on property values, disrupting the tranquility of the community and the monastery, which serves as a sanctuary for simple living.
The development's pushback comes amid increased scrutiny of data centers statewide, highlighted by Governor Greg Abbott's recent order for the Public Utility Commission and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to audit all proposed data center grid connections before construction commences. The proposed site in Westlake, situated near the Keller city line, is zoned under a Planned Development District that permits data center construction by right.
Town of Westlake officials have responded to resident concerns by detailing the project's economic benefits, including an estimated $5 million in annual municipal revenue for the first decade, increasing to $7 million thereafter, which would fund local services and the Westlake Academy without raising residential taxes. They also assured that the facility would adhere to all safety standards and local noise ordinances, utilizing modern sound-dampening technology and extensive landscaping, including berms and over 4,000 trees, to mitigate noise and visual impact.
Furthermore, municipal leaders clarified that the data center's utility demands would not increase local electricity or water bills, with water usage capped at 54 million gallons annually and cooling systems used only 15 percent of the year. Despite these assurances, opponents, including Maechee Sarah Hudson from the Buddhist monastery, remain committed to their push against the development, emphasizing the importance of preserving the community's peace.