North Texas data center clears key hurdle despite strong opposition from neighboring residents
The Westlake Planning and Zoning Committee in Tarrant County, Texas, approved a data center site plan despite strong opposition from local residents. The project, which includes four buildings and an electrical substation, now moves to the town council for final approval. Concerns primarily revolve around traffic, noise, electricity use, and water consumption.
The Westlake Planning and Zoning Committee in Tarrant County, Texas, has approved a site plan for a large data center, moving the project closer to realization despite significant opposition from local residents. The proposed development, situated on nearly 88 acres near Highway 377, includes four buildings, a private electrical substation, and backup generators.
Town staff recommended approval, stating the plan met or exceeded all local requirements for architecture, setbacks, buffering, and landscaping. However, concerned residents, particularly from the neighboring Marshall Ridge neighborhood in Keller, voiced strong objections regarding potential increases in traffic, noise, electricity usage, and water consumption.
In an effort to mitigate concerns, the developer agreed to incorporate additional sound dampening measures. The Town of Westlake also addressed some criticisms via its website, claiming the data center's water usage would be less than an average golf course and would not impact local utility bills. It also projected minimal traffic impact from the estimated 75 employees. Keller Mayor Ross McMullin affirmed his city's support for its residents and vowed to monitor Westlake's approval processes.
The project now awaits a final vote from the Westlake Town Council, with an agenda for the upcoming August 18 meeting yet to be published.