Judge blocks Westlake vote on controversial data center, granting restraining order to Keller HOA
A Tarrant County judge temporarily blocked the Town of Westlake from voting on a data center development agreement after a Homeowners Association in Keller requested a Temporary Restraining Order. The Westlake town council subsequently voted to table the decision until after a court hearing scheduled for August 26. Residents and the City of Keller have expressed strong opposition due to concerns about regional impacts, including proximity to residential areas.
A Tarrant County judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on Monday, preventing the Town of Westlake from voting on or taking any action to approve a proposed data center development agreement. The TRO was granted at the request of the Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association in Keller, effectively halting the special meeting of the Westlake town council which was already underway.
Following the judge's ruling, the Westlake town council voted to table the vote on the data center agreement until after a court proceeding scheduled for August 26. Westlake Mayor Armin Mizani stated that the legal process is ongoing and pledged to advocate for stronger public notice requirements for data center projects in the Legislature. Josh Rabe, a resident opposing the project, expressed concerns about the data center's proximity to Keller residences, despite developer claims it would be further from Westlake residents.
The proposed data center is planned near Highway 377, bordering Keller's Marshall Ridge neighborhood. The City of Keller formally expressed its opposition to the data center last week, with Mayor Ross McMullin emphasizing the city's diplomatic efforts and residents' concerns. While Westlake officials noted the land is already approved for a data center and that power, water, and noise considerations were addressed, the developer plans to conduct an independent noise study post-construction and undergo Gov. Greg Abbott's audit.