Keller residents question massive Westlake data center plans
A proposed 3.8 million square foot data center project in Westlake, Texas, is generating significant opposition and confusion among residents in the neighboring city of Keller. Concerns primarily revolve around potential noise, health impacts, and decreased property values. The Westlake Town Council is expected to discuss and possibly approve site plans soon.
A massive data center project planned for the town of Westlake, Texas, is creating tension and confusion across city lines, particularly for residents in the neighboring city of Keller. The proposed "Circle T" data center, spanning 3.8 million square feet, has drawn strong concerns from Keller residents like Kevan Myers, who discovered the project via a flyer on Westlake's social media. Keller's mayor and council members reportedly had no prior knowledge of the development.
Residents' primary worries include potential noise pollution, unknown health impacts on the neighborhood, and a negative effect on property values. A spokesperson for Westlake stated that town staff have been working with the developer to minimize impact on adjacent Keller residents, ensuring the project meets all safety standards and local noise ordinances, with the closest Keller home over 500 feet from the building line. They also referenced comments from Ross Perot Jr., chairman of property owner Hillwood, emphasizing responsible development for AI data centers.
Despite these assurances, Keller residents express a feeling of being excluded from the planning process. Myers has written to Perot Jr. with his concerns, and the Keller mayor is scheduled to meet with Westlake officials next week to explore options for relocating or altering the project. The City of Keller is urging its residents to attend Westlake's upcoming meeting, where site plans for the data center are expected to be discussed and potentially approved.