Judge temporarily blocks Westlake from moving forward with data center

A Tarrant County judge issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the Westlake Town Council from taking action on a proposed data center project, hours before a scheduled vote on a development agreement. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by the Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association and two residents against Westlake, its mayor, and council members. The plaintiffs argued that proceeding with the "Circle T Data Center" would cause "imminent and irreparable harm" to nearby residential properties.

As a result of the court order, which is effective for two weeks, the Westlake Town Council unanimously agreed to table its vote on the development agreement. The council will await an injunction hearing on August 26, which will determine the duration of the restraining order. The proposed data center, slated for 88 acres, has drawn significant opposition from residents of both Westlake and the adjacent city of Keller, particularly due to its proximity to homes, with plans showing it will be roughly 500 feet from multiple Keller backyards.

During a special meeting, over 100 people attended, including executives from the developer, PowerHouse Data Centers. Mayor Kim Greaves emphasized the town's commitment to "strict, measurable, and enforceable standards for noise, water, power, emissions, landscaping, screening, our Westlake dark sky policies, infrastructure, and emergency operations," and holding the developer accountable. Despite town attorney Matthew Boyle stating there was no legal basis for denial as the agreement conformed to town code, residents, including Josh Rabe who performed an original song, urged the council to delay or reject the project. Jeff Parsons, Senior VP of Development and Construction with PowerHouse Data Centers, was present at the meeting.