Texas residents fume over plans for a data center to be built next to their homes, school and a Buddhist monastery
Westlake, Texas residents are in an uproar over plans for the Circle T Data Center, a 1.1 million-square-foot facility to be built near homes, an elementary school, and a Buddhist monastery. Despite significant local opposition over concerns including noise, health impacts, and property values, the Town's Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the plans. Residents are now organizing to appeal to the Westlake City Council for the final decision.
Residents in the Town of Westlake, Texas, are strongly opposing a proposed 1.1 million-square-foot data center, known as the Circle T Data Center, which is slated for an 88-acre site off Highway 377. The proposed location is near homes, Ridgeview Elementary School, and the Wat Buddharatanaram Buddhist monastery.
Concerns raised by locals, including Maechee Sarah Hudson from the monastery and residents Ben Buckwalter and Kevin Myers, focus on potential noise pollution, unknown health impacts, decreased property values, and disruption to the monastery's serene environment. Hudson specifically warned that the development could become a religious liberty issue if it impinges on the monastery's ability to provide a peaceful setting.
Despite over 100 people attending a four-hour meeting to voice their objections, the Town's Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the plans, citing that the privately owned property is governed by a Planned Development District that permits data center use by right. Former Keller mayor Mark Mathews, who lives near the site, indicated that residents would explore legal options, and a GoFundMe has been established to support these efforts. Stephanie Rodriguez, a mother of two students at Ridgeview Elementary, expressed worries about the center's proximity to the school and the lack of clarity on health impacts.
Former Westlake planning commissioner Linda Bjorn has urged residents to attend the upcoming Westlake City Council meeting, where the final decision on the project will be made. The Town of Westlake's website has a dedicated page addressing community concerns, promising minimal noise, no impact on utility bills, and extensive tree planting.