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Keller Votes to Oppose Neighboring Westlake Data Center

The council hired outside counsel to explore legal action after Westlake scheduled a vote to set only design and landscaping rules that would not block the approved project.

Overview

  • Keller’s City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt a resolution opposing the planned Powerhouse data center and to retain outside legal counsel to explore legal options.
  • Westlake is moving forward with a development agreement vote that limits its remaining authority to architecture and landscaping requirements and does not change the site entitlement that planners already approved.
  • Neighbors and Keller leaders raised concerns about water use, electricity demand, noise, light pollution, and possible effects on property values during large, late-night public meetings.
  • Westlake officials have said the facility would use less water than a Texas golf course in a year and would not raise local electricity bills, and they maintain they cannot stop construction at this stage.
  • Extra security was deployed after violent threats against Westlake officials led to a police inquiry, and Keller’s actions increase the chance of intercity legal challenges over jurisdiction and ordinance claims.