Westlake Planning Commission approves data center site plan despite resident opposition
The Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site plan for a proposed data center near U.S. 377 and Westport Parkway, despite emotional testimony from residents, many of whom live in nearby Keller. Residents raised concerns about noise, quality of life, water use, and power demand. The project now proceeds to the Westlake Town Council for final consideration.
The Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a controversial data center site plan, despite hours of emotional testimony from local residents.
The proposed data center, which would sit on nearly 88 acres near Highway 377 and Westport Parkway, received the commission's approval at a meeting on Tuesday night. While the property is located in Westlake, many of the concerned residents who spoke at the meeting are from the neighboring city of Keller. Their primary concerns revolved around potential impacts on noise, quality of life, water usage, and power demands, especially given the facility's proximity to their homes.
Westlake town leaders acknowledged these concerns, stating that the project has been publicly discussed for over a year and that Keller leaders were briefed on the proposal in 2024. The developer has reportedly agreed to mitigation measures, including sound barriers and landscaping, to reduce the project's impact on nearby neighborhoods. The commission's approval was granted under these conditions.
The project will now advance to the Westlake Town Council for final consideration.