Judge Signs TRO Blocking Westlake Data Center Vote
A Tarrant County judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Town of Westlake from voting on or implementing Resolution 26-25, which concerns a development agreement for the Circle T Data Center. The lawsuit, filed by a homeowners association and residents, alleges the town failed to provide proper public notice for earlier zoning action. A hearing for a temporary injunction is scheduled for August 26.
Judge Kimberly Fitzpatrick of the 342nd District Court signed a temporary restraining order (TRO) that prevents the Town of Westlake from voting on or implementing Resolution 26-25, which is related to a development agreement for the proposed Circle T Data Center. The TRO was issued after Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association Inc. and residents Linda Bjorn and Sharon Sanden filed a lawsuit against Westlake and its officials.
The plaintiffs allege that Westlake failed to provide legally required public notice regarding earlier zoning actions affecting the data center project. They contend that approval of Resolution 26-25 would authorize immediate site work and construction. The TRO becomes effective once the plaintiffs file a $5,000 bond and will expire in 14 days unless extended by the court.
Despite the temporary block on the vote, the Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission had previously approved the Circle T site plan on August 4, following nearly four hours of public testimony. Residents from nearby Keller have voiced concerns about the project's proximity, noise, water use, property values, and the public-notice process. Westlake maintains that the property's commercial and industrial zoning, in place since 1998, allows for a data center and that the project complies with local requirements while expanding the tax base.
A hearing for a temporary injunction is scheduled for August 26. Former Keller Mayor Armin Mizani, the Republican nominee for Texas House District 98, commented that the ruling reinforces his concerns about proper notice to affected residents, an issue he plans to address in the next legislative session.