Keller City Council passes resolution opposing Westlake data center
Keller City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing a proposed 1.1 million-square-foot data center in Westlake, near its border. Residents voiced concerns over quality of life, property values, and potential impacts on water infrastructure and noise. Keller also voted to hire legal counsel, citing concerns about Westlake's process and a lack of buffer zones.
The article describes a special Keller City Council meeting where residents and council members expressed strong opposition to a proposed 1.1 million-square-foot data center in Westlake, near the Keller border. Mayor Ross McMullin announced the unanimous approval of a resolution against the project and the council's decision to hire legal counsel. Residents voiced concerns about noise pollution, property values, and the protection of wetlands, with one resident, Tim Johns, demonstrating the low-frequency sound generated by data centers. Cynthia Jacobs and Susan Eiland shared worries about property values and the impact on children.
The opposition stems from the data center's proximity to Keller neighborhoods and questions regarding the legality of Westlake's process. A letter from the Cook Law Firm, cited by McMullin, argued that the data center's site plan lacks the required buffer yard around residential boundaries, and approving the development agreement would make these issues permanent. McMullin emphasized Keller's right to protect its borders, infrastructure, and residents, vowing to take formal legal measures if Westlake proceeds without addressing Keller's concerns.
The Westlake Town Council is scheduled to hold its own special meeting to discuss and vote on the development agreement for the data center. While the data center is permitted "by right" for the land, the development agreement is a legally binding document covering infrastructure installation, architecture, and landscaping to comply with Westlake's ordinances. Keller police will provide extra security for the Westlake meeting due to prior threats of violence related to the project.