Westlake, Keller dispute over data center escalates, impacts police services contract
A dispute over a planned data center in Westlake, Texas, has led to a legal battle, a temporary block by a Tarrant County judge, and the termination of a police services contract between Westlake and Keller. Residents have raised concerns about power, water use, and noise, prompting the city of Keller to formally oppose the project. The city of Roanoke may now step in to provide police services to Westlake.
The towns of Westlake and Keller, Texas, are embroiled in an escalating dispute over a proposed data center in Westlake. The controversy has reached a point where Westlake voted to terminate its police services contract with Keller, which was set to run until October 2028. This termination follows a legal challenge initiated by the Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association in Keller, which led a Tarrant County judge to temporarily block Westlake from approving the data center development agreement.
The planned data center, situated near Highway 377 and bordering Keller's Marshall Ridge neighborhood, has drawn significant opposition from area residents. Concerns voiced include potential impacts on power and water usage, as well as noise pollution. Additionally, critics claim they were not properly notified about the project plans. The City of Keller formally opposed the data center, with Mayor Ross McMullin expressing disappointment in Westlake's handling of the situation and the subsequent decision to end the police services agreement.
Amidst the ongoing fallout, the nearby city of Roanoke is reportedly considering taking over police services for Westlake. Roanoke councilmembers are scheduled to discuss this matter in a closed executive session. Westlake officials, for their part, maintain that the proposed data center project was discussed openly and collaboratively over a year ago, refuting assertions that it came as a surprise.