Judge blocks vote on Westlake data center development
A Tarrant County judge has issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the Town of Westlake from voting on a proposed data center development agreement. The order was granted at the request of a Keller homeowners association, which argued Westlake failed to provide proper public notice. This action has temporarily halted the project, with court proceedings continuing and a vote on the agreement tabled.
A Tarrant County judge has temporarily blocked the Town of Westlake from voting on or taking action to approve a proposed data center development agreement. This major development comes after the Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association in Keller requested a temporary restraining order, arguing that Westlake failed to provide proper public notice for its December 2024 Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council actions in January 2025.
The judge's order forced Monday's special council meeting into an executive session, after which council members tabled the vote on the development agreement until after court proceedings. The proposed data center would be built on 88 acres near Highway 377, bordering the Keller Marshall Ridge neighborhood.
Residents express concerns about regional impacts, with one stating, "I strongly oppose a development infringing on neighbors' homes with such reckless and disregard for our investments, our quality of life, and our health." They highlighted that while the developer claimed the center would be 1200 yards from Westlake residents, it is only a couple hundred feet from Keller residents. The City of Keller affirmed its support for residents, and the Westlake Mayor vowed to fight for stronger, clearer public notice requirements for data center projects.
The next court date for the restraining order proceedings is set for August 26th. Additionally, the developer stated that the project would undergo Governor Greg Abbott's audit process, which could take several months.