Columnist discusses opposition to Westlake data center, historical zoning
Keller residents are voicing strong opposition to a proposed Hillwood data center in neighboring Westlake, citing concerns about noise, water demand, and the electrical grid. Columnist Ronell Smith argues that the residents' frustration is misdirected, as the land was zoned for heavy commercial use by Westlake's council in 1998, long before the current subdivisions existed. He suggests that citizens need to pay attention to zoning changes and ordinances earlier, at the state level, rather than waiting for ground to be broken on projects.
Keller residents are actively opposing a proposed Hillwood data center slated for construction in neighboring Westlake, along the northern city line. The residents express significant anger regarding potential noise, water demands, and strain on the electrical grid, with one Keller homeowner noting the project's proximity to their property line.
Contributing columnist Ronell Smith contends that this frustration is misplaced, arguing that the fundamental zoning decisions allowing such development were made decades ago. Westlake's council established the planned development, including heavy commercial use, in 1998. While building height and lot coverage standards were updated in 2024, the underlying use was already permitted, predating the residential subdivisions now voicing objections.
Smith highlights that local city councils like Keller have no authority over Westlake's land use processes. He criticizes the tendency of residents to become engaged only when projects are imminent, rather than monitoring early zoning changes or text amendments that shape future land use. He suggests that if residents wish to prevent similar situations, they should advocate for new rules at the state level in Austin, possibly through their elected representatives like Armin Mizani, Keller's former mayor and a current House District 98 nominee.
Ultimately, Smith advises residents to proactively research planned development districts and watch for text amendments to ordinances that could impact their neighborhoods, emphasizing that often, by the time land appears to be developed, its use has already been decided years prior.