Restraining order dissolved in Westlake-Keller data center lawsuit
A district court judge dissolved a temporary restraining order that had prevented Westlake from approving a development agreement for the proposed Circle T Data Center. The order stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Keller residents and the City of Keller against Westlake, citing zoning issues and potential harm to property. A hearing is set for Oct. 23 to determine if plaintiffs have standing to continue the lawsuit.
A Tarrant County district judge has dissolved a temporary restraining order that had halted the Town of Westlake from approving a development agreement for the controversial Circle T Data Center. The legal action was initiated by the Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association in Keller, along with two individuals, and was later joined by the City of Keller as an intervenor. They allege Westlake failed to follow proper procedures regarding notice and zoning, and that the project, bordering Keller, would cause "imminent and irreparable harm" to nearby residential properties.
Judge Kimberly Fitzpatrick initially issued the restraining order on August 17, forcing Westlake's Town Council to postpone a vote on the data center. While Westlake officials expressed satisfaction with the dissolution of the order and confidence in a full resolution by the next hearing on October 23, the plaintiffs' attorney, Jason Friedman, indicated disagreement, stating "They didn't follow the rules." The 88-acre Circle T Data Center, proposed by PowerHouse Data Centers, is planned along U.S. 377, sparking concerns among Keller residents about its proximity to their homes. Mediation efforts prior to the latest hearing failed to reach a settlement, though dialogue between the parties is reportedly ongoing.