Judge hears arguments in Westlake data center lawsuit from HOA, homeowners
A lawsuit filed by a homeowners association and residents against the Town of Westlake regarding a proposed data center is moving forward. The plaintiffs argue the project violates zoning rules and would negatively impact quality of life and property values due to heat and noise. A temporary restraining order has paused a vote on the development agreement, and a Tarrant County judge is expected to rule on whether the lawsuit will continue.
A Tarrant County judge on Wednesday heard arguments concerning a controversial data center project in Westlake, Texas. The proposed 1.1-square-foot facility, valued at $1.1 million, is slated for construction along Highway 377, near residential areas in Westlake and Keller. The hearing addressed a lawsuit filed by the Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association and several Westlake residents, which last week prompted a temporary restraining order against the Town of Westlake, pausing a vote on the development agreement.
Attorney John Friedman, representing the plaintiffs, argued that the project's site plan allegedly violates the town's zoning ordinance by omitting a mandatory 150-foot setback and landscaped buffer from single-family homes. Homeowners, including Linda Bjorn, expressed significant concerns over potential negative impacts on their quality of life and property values, citing increased heat, noise pollution, and the large scale of the facility. They also raised issues about a December 2024 planning and zoning commission agenda that considered doubling permitted building height from 45 to 80 feet, without explicitly mentioning "data center" in its notice, a point of contention in the lawsuit.
The Town of Westlake issued a statement respecting the court's decision to consider the matter further, expressing confidence in its review and approval process for the project. The town stated its anticipation of the court's ruling and its commitment to advancing the project in the best interests of Westlake residents.
The judge is expected to issue a ruling next week on whether to maintain the temporary injunction, which has been extended through September 8th. If the injunction is lifted, the development agreement will proceed to the Westlake Town Council for a vote.