Topic overview
In brief
- The planning and zoning committee in Westlake approved a site plan for a large data center after a crowded meeting with concerned residents.
- The data center will include four buildings, a private electrical substation, and backup generators, with plans for landscaping to minimize visibility.
- Despite opposition from neighbors regarding noise and traffic, the project is set to proceed with a town council vote scheduled for August 18.
Summary
In the United States, a Tarrant County town called Westlake has taken a significant step towards hosting a large data center. Recently, the planning and zoning committee voted to approve the site plan for the project, which spans nearly 88 acres near Highway 377. This decision came after a meeting filled with concerned residents, particularly from the neighboring Marshall Ridge neighborhood in Keller, who expressed their worries about potential noise, traffic, and water usage associated with the data center. The committee concluded that the site plan met all necessary approval requirements and even exceeded some of the town's minimum standards.
The proposed data center will consist of four buildings, including a private electrical substation and backup generators. The developer has also committed to enhancing sound mitigation measures to address the concerns raised by local residents. According to the town's statement, the nearest homes are located 506 feet from the building line, which is significantly more than the required 150-foot minimum distance. The town has assured residents that the data center will use less water than an average golf course and will not affect their water or electricity bills.