Westlake data center plans advance despite neighbors' concerns
The Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission in Texas recommended approval for a new data center despite strong opposition from residents, primarily from the neighboring city of Keller. The proposed Circle T Data Center, developed by PowerHouse Data Centers and partnered with Hillwood, is planned for 88 acres bordering Keller and still requires approval from the Westlake Town Council. Neighbors are concerned about proximity to homes and environmental impact, feeling their concerns are being overlooked.
The Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission in North Texas unanimously recommended approval for the Circle T Data Center, a proposed facility by PowerHouse Data Centers and development partner Hillwood. The decision followed a contentious, four-hour meeting marked by significant opposition from residents, particularly those from the neighboring city of Keller. The data center, planned for 88 acres, will border the city of Keller and is expected to include four buildings.
Keller residents expressed outrage over the project's proximity to their homes, with some arguing it would be as close as 200-500 feet from their backyards, while Westlake officials stated it would be 1,200 yards from Westlake residents. Many Keller residents only learned of the project via a Facebook post shortly before the meeting, leading to feelings of being ignored and a perceived double standard. Despite their pleas to move the project, the commission voted for recommendation, citing the development's compliance with existing "use by-right" zoning provisions.
The data center project still requires approval from the Westlake Town Council before construction can commence. Westlake officials, including Mayor Kim Greaves, have promoted the project as an "important investment" that will expand the tax base and fund public infrastructure. However, Keller Mayor Ross McMullin stated that while Keller has no zoning authority over the Westlake property, his office would advocate for residents and confirmed no data centers are planned "by-right" in Keller itself.
The article also touches on the broader context of data center growth in Texas, noting Dallas-Fort Worth as a major hub and mentioning Governor Greg Abbott's recent call for a sweeping audit of data center projects connecting to the ERCOT power grid, signaling a shifting sentiment around these developments across the state.