Westlake Unanimously Approves Data Center Near Keller Border

The unanimous vote clears the way for construction of the data center near U.S. 377 and Westport Parkway, close to Keller’s Marshall Ridge neighborhood. The proposed facility is expected to occupy nearly 88 acres. Westlake says it could bring the town about $5 million annually during its first decade of operation.

The decision follows months of dispute between Westlake and Keller, as well as legal action by Keller and nearby homeowners. Keller residents had objected that they were not properly notified about the development. Keller’s request for an injunction to stop work expired in late September.

Under the settlement announced November 5, Keller can enforce noise limits at nearby homes, and noise levels will be monitored quarterly for the data center’s first three years. The deal also calls for landscaping and controls on emissions from backup generators. It includes nearly $2 million in payments, including $300,000 for Keller Fire-Rescue and funds for noise monitoring, community programs, and legal and consulting costs. The Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association agreed to end its lawsuit.

Some residents speaking at the council meeting criticized city leaders’ handling of the process. Westlake officials defended the project as part of the costs and benefits of growth, saying added revenue could help offset other expenses even if residents face somewhat higher electricity bills.

Data center development has become a political issue in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott has pushed for resource audits before new permits, while newly elected Democratic governor Gina Hinojosa has called for a temporary halt until the Legislature can address regulation. Keller says it plans to work with Hinojosa on statewide discussions.

Westlake’s Data Center Vote Highlights Need for Statewide Guardrails

Westlake’s unanimous approval of a 1.1 million-square-foot data center near Keller puts growth ahead of residents’ concerns about notice, noise and the effects of expanding data-center demand. Some speakers at the November 12 council meeting criticized city leaders’ transparency during the process.

The project, near Keller’s Marshall Ridge neighborhood, could generate about $5 million a year for Westlake in its first decade. But officials also acknowledged that residents could face somewhat higher electricity bills, while arguing that the added revenue would help contain other costs. The vote makes the trade-off plain: promised local revenue alongside potential costs borne by the public.

A settlement with Keller and nearby homeowners provides some protections. Keller can enforce noise limits, quarterly monitoring is required for the first three years, and the agreement includes landscaping and rules limiting pollution from backup generators. The nearly $2 million package also covers community programs, noise monitoring, Keller Fire-Rescue and legal and consulting expenses. A homeowners association has agreed to drop its lawsuit.

Those terms followed a prolonged legal fight, including Keller’s attempt to halt development with an injunction that expired in September. They do not settle the larger question of how Texas should manage data-center growth. Abbott has backed resource audits before new permits, while Democratic Gov. Gina Hinojosa has called for a moratorium until lawmakers can meet. Keller says it will join Hinojosa in statewide discussions. The state needs to confront the broader consequences rather than leave neighboring communities to negotiate protections one project at a time.

Westlake’s Data Center Deal Balances Growth With Local Protections

Westlake’s unanimous vote advances a 1.1 million-square-foot data center that the town says could generate roughly $5 million a year during its first ten years. The project near U.S. 377 and Westport Parkway is a concrete example of the growth Westlake officials say brings costs as well as revenue.

The agreement reached with Keller and nearby homeowners puts local protections in place while allowing the project to proceed. Keller can enforce noise limits at nearby homes, with quarterly monitoring during the data center’s first three years. The settlement also requires landscaping and emissions controls for backup generators.

Nearly $2 million in payments are included, among them $300,000 for Keller Fire-Rescue and funding for noise monitoring, community programs, and legal and consulting costs. The Lakes at Marshall Ridge Homeowners Association agreed to dismiss its lawsuit. The terms followed months of conflict, including Keller’s effort to stop development through an injunction that expired in September.

Some speakers at the November 12 meeting faulted Westlake leaders over transparency. Town officials, however, defended the project as part of growth and said additional revenue could help offset other expenses even if electricity costs rise somewhat for residents.

Data centers are now part of a wider political dispute. Abbott has called for resource audits before new permits, while Hinojosa has sought a temporary moratorium until the Legislature can consider the issue. Keller says it will work with the governor on statewide discussions. Westlake’s approval, reached alongside enforceable local conditions, shows how communities can address concerns through negotiated rules.