City of Keller, TX
Home MenuProposed Westlake Data Center
The Town of Westlake is considering a proposed 1.1 million-square-foot data center approximately 506 feet from the backyards of Keller residents. Because of the project’s proximity and potential impacts to Keller neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life, Keller City Council is actively seeking answers, evaluating the City’s legal options, and advocating for meaningful protections for Keller residents.
This page provides information about the proposed project, the City’s response and actions taken by Keller City Council, and key documents and developments as this process continues.
Key Documents
- Westlake's Data Center Presentation
- Letter to Westlake Leaders from Ashley Cook
- Temporary Restraining Order issued to the Town of Westlake
Mayor and Keller City Council Resolution Opposing Westlake Data Center Project
Timeline
Dec. 10, 2024: Westlake’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the approval of changes to the development performance standards for property generally located along U.S. 377 and SH 170.
Jan. 6, 2025: Westlake Town Council used unusually vague language to approve "text amendments" to the development standards for the property generally located along U.S. 377 and SH 170.
July 29, 2026: Westlake announced the proposed data center:
Westlake is welcoming an exciting new development to Town. A new data center is planned off Highway 377, just south of our existing pump station. We know you may have questions about the project, so let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
- Water Use: Modern data centers are designed to be highly efficient, often using minimal water. Your water bill will NOT increase due to this project.
- Noise: Built with sound mitigation, they operate quietly and by strict standards.
- Traffic: Very low impact once operational. (Only 75 employees)
- Electricity: No disruption to residents. The data center uses a different electricity provider from residents. Your electricity bill will NOT increase due to this project.
- Aesthetics: This facility will meet Westlake’s high design standards and blend with our community.
- Distance: Two-thirds of a mile or 1,200 yards from the nearest Westlake home.
Most importantly, this project brings real benefits:
- Expands our tax base
- Helps reduce the burden on residents
- Supports Town services
- Attracts future high-quality development
This is privately owned property that is governed by a Planned Development District that allows a data center as a land use by right. The site plan review process is intended to ensure the design and layout of the buildings meet the minimum standards of zoning.
The Town's ordinance, including zoning, allows for regulating landscaping, lighting, noise, aesthetics, and visual screening. The Town’s ordinances are also in place to ensure adequate water and sewer and other infrastructure to serve development like a data center are in place.
This is all part of keeping Westlake Distinctive by Design, thoughtful growth that supports our future.
Learn more and stay updated by visiting this webpage that outlines why this is such an exciting addition for Westlake.
Mayor McMullin provided an update regarding Keller’s meeting with Town Manager Wade Carroll and Gov. Greg Abbott’s directives concerning data center audit requirements:
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MCMULLIN
We know that many Keller residents were disappointed and frustrated to learn today that a new data center is planned along Hwy. 377 in Westlake, just across our northern border.
My City Council colleagues and I were unfortunately surprised by the news as well.
With that said, here’s what I can share:
1. Legally, the property owner has the right to complete this project.
The site is located within the Town of Westlake on private property as part of a Planned Development that permits data center use by right. Westlake’s review process will govern design, landscaping, setbacks and related standards, but the land-use entitlement itself does not require further discretionary approval from Westlake leaders.
2. Keller has no zoning or land-use authority over this property.
Since this project sits entirely inside Westlake’s municipal boundaries, Keller leaders cannot rezone the land, deny permits, or impose any conditions on the development.
3. We will advocate on behalf of our residents.
Westlake has shared that infrastructure is in place to mitigate concerns about electricity and water demand. They’ve also confirmed that noise from the facility will be required to meet Westlake’s ordinance limits, comparable to a household refrigerator at the property line.
We will continue to advocate that Westlake remain transparent about the short- and longterm impacts of this development, including construction traffic routing, emergency-response coordination, stormwater, and any other effects that could spill across municipal boundaries. We will also advocate on behalf of our residents on these issues and any unforeseen concerns as they arise.
4. Let me be clear that Keller does not currently have any data centers in the development proposal pipeline. I can also assure you that data centers are not allowed by right anywhere in Keller. Keller residents would be part of any data center conversation in our community.
Any future proposal by a developer to build a data center in Keller would be required to go through the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Keller City Council, with multiple opportunities for residents to discuss concerns with city leaders.
One of the best things about this community is how engaged our residents are, and I appreciate every one of you who has reached out today about this project. I encourage you to stay involved, ask questions and share your concerns with us on this or any other topic; my door is always open.
–Mayor Ross McMullin
July 30, 2026: Keller provided information about the upcoming Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and opportunities for Keller residents to provide public comment:
UPDATE: Residents’ next opportunity to provide feedback on this project to Westlake is the site plan review scheduled as part of next week’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting: 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, in the Westlake Council Chambers at 1500 Solana Blvd., Bldg 7, Ste. 7100.
Aug. 2, 2026: The Marshall Ridge HOA hosted a community meeting regarding the proposed development. Mayor McMullin and Keller City Council members attended to hear directly from residents and answer questions.
Aug. 3, 2026: Mayor Ross McMullin provided an update regarding Keller’s meeting with Westlake Town Manager Carroll and Gov. Greg Abbott’s directives concerning data center audit requirements:
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MCMULLIN
Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive issued today to conduct a comprehensive review of data center development before any further projects move forward is a welcome step and reflects the importance of the issues communities like Keller are facing as these projects become more common across the country. Texas can and should remain both economically competitive and a great place to live.
The proposed data center in neighboring Westlake has prompted many Keller residents to express legitimate concerns about potential impacts on nearby neighborhoods, including noise, infrastructure, electric reliability, water resources, potential health impacts, and overall quality of life. As Mayor, I believe those concerns deserve to be heard and carefully considered.
Although Keller does not have zoning authority over Westlake’s project, we have a responsibility to advocate for our residents. As promised, the City Manager and I met with Westlake Town Manager Wade Carroll this morning to relay these concerns and explore meaningful solutions that could minimize potential impacts on nearby Keller neighborhoods should the project ultimately move forward.
I appreciate Westlake’s willingness to engage in an open and honest dialogue, and I believe their leadership now has a better understanding of our residents’ concerns. Based on our discussion, I look forward to their efforts to publicly update the Marshall Ridge community as Westlake’s discussion surrounding this project continues.
I strongly encourage Keller residents to continue making their voices heard by participating in Westlake’s public process. The next opportunity to provide feedback on this project will be during the site plan review at the Westlake Planning & Zoning Commission meeting at 5 p.m. this Tuesday, Aug. 4, in the Westlake Council Chambers, 1500 Solana Blvd., Bldg. 7, Ste. 7100. If you’re unable to attend in person, Westlake officials can be reached at towncouncil@westlaketx.gov.
We are actively researching whether the governor’s directive will affect projects already under review. We hope it will apply to Westlake’s project.
Regardless, the governor’s action recognizes that communities across Texas are facing similar challenges and underscores the importance of thoughtful planning, transparency, and appropriate safeguards as future data center projects are considered.
Texas should continue to lead in technology and innovation, but that leadership must be matched by responsible policies that protect our infrastructure, respect neighboring communities, and preserve the quality of life that Texans value. I appreciate Gov. Abbott’s leadership and look forward to reviewing the recommendations that emerge from this statewide effort.
The City of Keller will remain fully engaged throughout this process and will continue advocating for our residents every step of the way. Protecting our residents’ quality of life will remain our city’s highest priority.
We continue to encourage you to stay involved, ask questions, and share your concerns with us going forward. You can contact the Town of Westlake at towncouncil@westlaketx.gov and reach the full Keller City Council at mayorandcouncil@cityofkeller.com.
–Mayor Ross McMullin
Aug. 4, 2026: Westlake’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the proposed site plan for the data center. During the meeting, additional measures were discussed, including a berm along the residential property line, additional hardwood trees and additional louvers intended to direct noise upward. The developer indicated it would consider these improvements but did not commit to them.
Aug. 6, 2026: Keller announced a special City Council meeting for Aug. 12 to discuss the proposed data center and related matters:
In addition to the actions already taken, the Mayor has called a special Keller City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Parkway, to discuss the proposed Westlake data center project.
During the meeting, there will be a meaningful opportunity for residents to be heard. The City Council will also meet in executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding the Westlake project’s approval process and procedures, among other legal and personnel matters.
Many Keller residents, particularly those living closest to the proposed development in Marshall Ridge, have expressed deep concerns about the project and frustration with the way neighboring residents have been engaged throughout this process.
While Westlake would like discussions about zoning history to be the focus of the conversation, the City of Keller remains focused on the residents, especially those who live closest to this proposed development and the potential impacts they may experience.
In accordance with state law, any action resulting from executive session would be considered in open meeting.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and address the Council during the Persons to Be Heard portion of the meeting.
Aug. 12, 2026: Keller City Council held a special meeting to hear from residents, discuss concerns regarding the proposed data center and consider the City’s legal options.
Following hours of listening to residents, Keller City Council unanimously approved a resolution outlining concerns regarding the proposed development and requesting additional protections and information.
