Data Center Plans Advance In Westlake Despite Resident Outcry

The Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission has voted to approve plans for an 87-acre data center campus, known as the Circle T Data Center Campus, following a nearly four-hour public hearing. The project, proposed by PowerHouse Data Centers, now moves to the Westlake Town Council for further consideration, where a development agreement will be negotiated before a final decision.

The proposed campus, located along U.S. Highway 377 near the Keller city limits, has faced fierce opposition from residents in both Westlake and Keller. Concerns raised during the public testimony included potential noise pollution, high water consumption, increased traffic, decreased property values, and general environmental impacts due to the project's proximity to established neighborhoods. Residents expressed frustration over the timing of their notification, claiming they were informed late in the planning process.

Developer representative Jeff Parsons stated that the site was designed to minimize impact, incorporating landscaped buffers and tree screening, and efforts to reduce operational noise. The campus is projected to use approximately 54 million gallons of water annually and will receive power from Oncor, adhering to state requirements. However, these assurances did not quell resident outcry, with some community members shouting "shame" after the commission's vote. A nearby Buddhist monastery also voiced opposition, indicating a willingness to seek legal protections if the data center's operations burden their religious freedom.

Despite the commission's approval, which included additional conditions to mitigate resident concerns, the project remains contentious. Westlake officials highlight potential tax revenue increases, while neighboring Keller officials claim they were surprised by the proposal. The development also comes amid calls from Governor Greg Abbott for audits of large data center projects connecting to the Texas power grid.