Controversial proposed data center near Keller clears first major hurdle despite protest

The Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved the site plan for a contentious data center project, marking its first significant hurdle cleared despite considerable public protest. The decision followed hours of emotional testimony from residents of Westlake and neighboring Keller, who voiced concerns regarding potential noise pollution, environmental impact, and a decrease in their quality of life.

Adriana de Alba reported live from Westlake, highlighting the angry outbursts from the crowd immediately after the commission's vote, with residents vowing to continue their fight against the development. The proposed site is located along US 377, near Keller's Marshall Ridge neighborhood, prompting local disagreement among city officials. Keller's mayor stated that city leaders were blindsided by the plans, while Westlake officials asserted that plans had been shared over a year prior, emphasizing the project's potential tax revenue boost with minimal water use and noise.

This approval comes on the heels of Governor Greg Abbott's order for a statewide pause on new data center approvals, specifically those seeking to connect to Texas's electric grid, pending a comprehensive regulatory review. Despite this statewide directive and local opposition, the Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission ultimately granted the project the green light.