Westlake, Keller Data Center Dispute: A Timeline of Events
Residents of Keller are actively opposing a large data center proposed in neighboring Westlake, Texas, due to its proximity to homes and a school. Although Westlake's Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan, the City of Keller has authorized legal action, and a temporary restraining order has been issued, preventing the Westlake Town Council from voting on the development. This conflict has strained relations between the two cities and prompted a statewide audit directive from the governor.
A contentious dispute has erupted between the Texas towns of Westlake and Keller over a proposed 1.1 million-square-foot data center complex in Westlake, near the Keller border. Residents of Keller's Lakes at Marshall Ridge neighborhood and local officials are vehemently opposing the development, citing its proximity to homes and Ridgeview Elementary School. The Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission has already approved the site plan for the 87.9-acre complex, which is being developed by Virginia-based PowerHouse.
The conflict escalated into a legal battle, with the Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association and the City of Keller pursuing legal action against Westlake. A civil court judge, District Judge Kimberly Fitzpatrick, issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), preventing the Westlake Town Council from voting on the development plan. The TRO is currently in effect until a September 8 hearing. The Keller City Council also unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Circle T data center and authorized legal action if Westlake proceeds with the project.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has further weighed in, issuing a directive for the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to audit data centers for their impact on the power grid and communities before further approvals. Westlake Mayor Kim Greaves and Keller Mayor Ross McMullin have exchanged messages revealing a breakdown in communication and strained relations, despite a history of cooperation where Keller provides police services to Westlake. PowerHouse, the developer, has reportedly complied with the state's audit guidelines.