Data Center Communications
These communications come in three forms: Email, website, and social media
Mailer/Email Version
Westlake Welcomes New Data Center: What Residents Should Know
The Town of Westlake is preparing to welcome a new data center, an important investment in our community’s future. The facility will be located off Highway 377, just south of Westlake’s existing pump station. We understand residents may have questions, and we want to provide clear, accurate information.
What is a data center?
Data centers power the digital services we use every day, such as banking, streaming, public safety systems, and more. They are secure, highly regulated facilities designed for reliability and efficiency.
Addressing Common Questions:
• Water Use: Modern data centers use advanced cooling systems that minimize water usage, often comparable to or less than other commercial developments. Your water bill will NOT increase due to this project.
• Electricity: The facility will operate on planned, dedicated infrastructure, ensuring no disruption to residential service. The center will prioritize energy efficiency. The data center’s electricity provider is Oncor, residents use Tri-County, meaning your electricity is provided by another company, so you will not be impacted. Your electricity bill will NOT increase due to this project.
• Noise: Designed to be quiet, with sound mitigation measures in place. Noise levels at the property line are minimal and regulated and will comply with Westlake’s decibel ordinance. Landscaping and natural noise buffers will be in place along the south edge and along Highway 377.
• Appearance: This facility will reflect Westlake’s high standards, with quality architecture and landscaping that fit our community
• Traffic: Very low impact. After construction, only a small on-site team is required.
• Size: Four buildings total, approximately 1.1 million square feet on 87.9 acres
• Distance: Two-thirds of a mile or 1,200 yards from the nearest Westlake home
Economic Benefits to Westlake:
• Expands the Town’s tax base
• Helps reduce the tax burden on residents
• Provides consistent, long-term revenue ($5m for 10 years, then $7m every year after)
• Creates construction and specialized jobs
• Attracts future high-quality development
• Provide consistent, long-term revenue
• Supports public services and infrastructure
• Significant contributions will be made to both the Westlake Fire-EMS Department and Westlake Academy
Rest assured, the Town of Westlake has many ordinances already in place to address projects such as this. Your Town Council and Staff have put in the work to ensure that this project aligns with Westlake’s commitment to being Distinctive by Design, bringing thoughtful growth while preserving the character of our community. For more information and updates, please visit the Town of Westlake website.
Website Page Version
Westlake Data Center Project: Facts & Community Benefits
The Town of Westlake is committed to transparent communication as we welcome a new data center to our community. The facility will be located off Highway 377, just south of Westlake’s existing pump station.
What is a Data Center?
A data center is a secure facility that supports the digital infrastructure behind everyday services such as financial transactions, healthcare systems, emergency services, and online communication.
Common Questions & Misconceptions
Water Usage
Today’s data centers are designed for efficiency. Many use air-cooled or hybrid systems that significantly reduce water consumption. Any water use is carefully managed and regulated. Your water bill will NOT increase due to this project.
The data center is required to have a recycling cooling system that will only need to draw water from our system when temperatures are above 94 degrees. The system will also be required to hold one day’s worth of water at the highest use rate to assist in buffering our water systems.
Electricity Demand
While data centers require power, they are developed in coordination with utility providers to ensure adequate infrastructure. This prevents disruption to residents and supports longterm grid stability. Your electricity bill will NOT increase due to this project.
The data center has paid Oncor to bring infrastructure to the west side of Westlake, dropping a 350-megawatt substation near the pump station, at no cost to residents. The additional power will be used for both the pump station and future expansion of the Westlake system, making power more reliable in Town. All homes in Westlake rely on TriCounty for electricity, so the data center using Oncor as its provider has no impact on you.
ERCOT says that despite the summer heat and the addition of data centers across Texas, there will be no grid issues this summer, underscoring the strength of the state’s power grid. You can read more about that here.
Noise Levels
Modern facilities include sound-dampening technology, enclosed equipment, and strategic site planning. Noise levels will comply with Westlake’s ordinances and are typically comparable to background ambient noise. Landscaping and natural noise buffers will be in place along the south edge and along Highway 377, providing extensive visual screening through berms and vegetation.
Aesthetics & Design
Westlake maintains high development standards. This project will incorporate quality materials, landscaping, and architectural elements that align with the Town’s character.
Traffic Impact
This data center will generate minimal traffic. Once operational, around 75 employees are on-site at any given time.
Distance
Two-thirds of a mile or 1,200 yards from the nearest Westlake home.
Economic Impact
The data center represents a major investment in Westlake and will:
• Strengthens the Town’s commercial tax base
• Provide consistent, long-term revenue ($5m for 10 years, then $7m every year after)
• Supports public services and infrastructure
• Reduce reliance on residential taxes
• Monetary donations will be made to both the Westlake Fire-EMS Department and Westlake Academy
The amount of property tax coming in for a project of this size reduces reliance on residential property taxes. It increases the commercial value of property in Westlake, reducing the percentage of the burden on residential property taxes.
Environmental & Safety Considerations
Data centers have highly regulated facilities with strict environmental and safety standards. They do not produce ongoing emissions like traditional industrial uses and include multiple layers of operational safeguards.
Rest assured, the Town of Westlake has many ordinances already in place to address projects such as this. Your Town Council and Staff have put in the work to ensure that this project aligns with Westlake’s commitment to being Distinctive by Design, bringing thoughtful growth while preserving the character of our community.
Proposed Legislation
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is proposing new legislation to help ease the impact of data centers on residents and to ensure the centers are developed safely. By design, Westlake is already way ahead of the curve, addressing all major and minor issues that may arise ahead of time. Water usage, electricity, and potential noise concerns have already been considered well before legislation is passed and before construction begins.
Hillwood Partnership
For decades, the Town of Westlake and Hillwood have shared a partnership built on a common vision of thoughtful growth, high-quality development, and long-term community success. As the Town's primary development partner, Hillwood has played a key role in shaping Westlake into one of the nation's most distinctive communities by helping attract premier residential neighborhoods, corporate campuses, and retail destinations. This collaborative approach has ensured that growth is carefully planned, financially responsible, and consistent with Westlake's commitment to preserving its unique character while creating opportunities for future generations.
That partnership continues today through ongoing investments that strengthen Westlake's economic future and enhance the quality of life for residents. By working together to recruit innovative businesses, supporting strategic infrastructure improvements, and encouraging responsible commercial development, Hillwood and the Town have expanded the local tax
base while helping minimize the financial burden on homeowners. Our long-standing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making decisions that balance economic opportunity with community values, ensuring Westlake remains a premier place to live, work, and invest.
Benefits of Data Centers
There have been several recent reports published from universities across the country that showcase the benefits of data centers. This one from the University of Texas talks about how, with proper planning, the centers can continue to expand their digital infrastructure while supporting economic development, protecting natural resources, and benefiting local communities like Westlake.
Message from the Mayor
“Our residents expect thoughtful planning, transparency, and a commitment to protecting what makes Westlake such a special place to call home. This project has been carefully evaluated to ensure it meets our high standards while providing meaningful long-term benefits for our community. The data center will expand our tax base, strengthen funding for public infrastructure and Westlake Academy, and help reduce the tax burden on our residents, all while having minimal impact on daily life.” -Mayor Kim Greaves
Staying Informed
The Town will continue to share updates and provide opportunities for community engagement. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the conversation.
Social Media Post Version
Westlake is welcoming a new data center, located off Highway 377, just south of our existing pump station and we know you may have questions.
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.
• 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 all part of keeping Westlake Distinctive by Design, thoughtful growth that supports our future.
Learn more and stay updated on our website.
Data Center Story
This is a persuasive story that will be sent to residents via Stroll Magazine, our website, email, and social media. This will provide true context for the project from a beneficial standpoint of the Town.
A Smart Investment in Westlake’s Future: Why the New Data Center Is the Right Project in the Right Place
Westlake has always been intentional about growth. Every decision made by Town leaders is guided by one simple question: Does this make Westlake better for the residents who call this community home? The new data center coming to Westlake is no exception.
From the very beginning, Town leaders understood that a project like this would naturally bring questions and concerns. They also understood that simply accepting potential challenges was not an option. Instead, the Town took a proactive approach, identifying possible impacts, addressing them head- on, and requiring solutions that protect residents while creating long-term benefits for the entire community.
This project is not about choosing growth over quality of life. It is about creating a stronger, more financially sustainable future while protecting everything that makes Westlake special.
The Right Project in the Right Location
One of the most important factors in any development decision is location, and this project was strategically positioned with Westlake residents in mind.
The data center will be located off Highway 377, just south of the Town’s existing pump station, in an established commercial area, not in or near any of Westlake’s residential neighborhoods.
The nearest Westlake home is approximately two -thirds of a mile away, or about 1,200 yards. The site’s location along a major highway provides direct access, minimizes impacts on local streets, and creates a natural separation between the facility and residential areas.
For a project like this, location matters. By placing it in a commercial corridor designed for this type of development, Westlake has reduced the potential impact on residents while maximizing the benefits of the investment.
This is exactly the type of thoughtful planning residents expect from their Town.
Addressing Concerns Before They Become Problems
Town leaders did not ignore the common concerns associated with data centers. They addressed them from the start. Rather than waiting for issues to arise, Westlake established expectations and safeguards before moving forward. The Town evaluated water usage, electricity demand, noise, aesthetics, traffic, and overall community impact to ensure this project met Westlake’s high standards.
The result is a project where potential challenges have been identified, mitigated, and responsibly managed.
This proactive approach ensures the project delivers economic benefits while protecting the quality of life our residents value.
Protecting Westlake’s Water Resources
Water is one of our community’s most valuable resources, and protecting it was a top priority throughout the planning process. Modern data centers are designed to operate efficiently, and this facility will utilize a recycling cooling system that significantly reduces water consumption. The system will only need to draw additional water from Westlake’s system when temperatures exceed 94 degrees.
In addition, the facility will be required to maintain one full day’s worth of water storage at the highest use rate, helping provide additional protection and buffering for the Town’s water system.
The data center’s water usage has been carefully planned and regulated, and residents’ water bills will not increase because of this project.
Strengthening Westlake’s Power Infrastructure at No Cost to Residents
Power demand is another area where Town leaders took action early. Instead of allowing infrastructure concerns to become a future challenge, Westlake worked to ensure the necessary improvements were made upfront.
The data center has paid Oncor to construct a new 350-megawatt substation on the west side of Westlake near the pump station. This investment comes at no cost to residents and will provide benefits beyond the data center itself.
The additional infrastructure will improve reliability for Town facilities, support future expansion of Westlake’s systems, and strengthen the community’s long-term energy capacity.
It is also important to note that Westlake residents receive electricity from Tri-County Electric Cooperative. Because the data center will use Oncor for its power supply, there will be no impact on residents’ electric service or electric bills.
This is a major infrastructure investment that shifts the cost burden away from taxpayers while improving Westlake’s future capabilities.
Preserving Westlake’s Peaceful Environment
Westlake’s character is built around thoughtful development and a high quality of life. Protecting that environment was a key priority. The Town required measures to minimize potential noise impacts, including sound- damping technology, enclosed equipment, and strategic site planning. The facility must comply with all Town noise requirements.
Additionally, extensive landscaping, berms, and vegetation will be installed along the south edge of the property and Highway 377 to provide visual screening and additional buffering.
The goal is simple: ensure this project fits into Westlake, not the other way around.
A Development That Matches Westlake’s Standards
Westlake has never been a community that accepts ordinary development. Every project must meet a higher standard. The data center will incorporate quality materials, landscaping, and architectural features consistent with the Town’s expectations. It will be designed to complement the surrounding area while maintaining the community’s distinctive character.
Hillwood Partnership
For decades, the Town of Westlake and Hillwood have shared a partnership built on a common vision of thoughtful growth, high- quality development, and long-term community success. As the Town's primary development partner, Hillwood has played a key role in shaping Westlake into one of the nation's most distinctive communities by helping attract premier residential neighborhoods, corporate campuses, and retail destinations. This collaborative approach has ensured that growth is carefully planned, financially responsible, and consistent with Westlake's commitment to preserving its unique character while creating opportunities for future generations.
That partnership continues today through ongoing investments that strengthen Westlake's economic future and enhance the quality of life for residents. By working together to recruit innovative businesses, supporting strategic infrastructure improvements, and encouraging responsible commercial development, Hillwood and the Town have expanded the local tax base while helping minimize the financial burden on homeowners. Our long-standing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making decisions that balance economic opportunity with community values, ensuring Westlake remains a premier place to live, work, and invest.
Leading By Example
As Texas continues to experience unprecedented growth in technology and data infrastructure, Governor Greg Abbott has called for legislation to ensure communities carefully evaluate and manage the impacts of data centers. The proposed measures focus on issues such as power reliability, water usage, transparency, and responsible development.
Westlake has already been ahead of the curve by proactively addressing these same concerns from the beginning of this project. Town leaders did not wait for regulations to require responsible planning; they made it a priority from day one. Through careful site selection, infrastructure planning, water conservation requirements, noise protections, and development standards, Westlake has already implemented the safeguards that communities across Texas are now being encouraged to consider.
Significant Financial Benefits Without Increasing the Burden on Residents
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of this project is its ability to strengthen Westlake’s financial future. The data center will provide approximately:
• $5 million annually for the first 10 years
• $7 million annually thereafter
This creates a significant, reliable revenue stream that will benefit the entire community. Why does that matter? Commercial development helps reduce the financial burden on homeowners. Instead of relying primarily on residential property taxes to fund Town services and infrastructure, Westlake can diversify its revenue sources by bringing in more commercial investment.
This project allows a major portion of the cost of maintaining and improving our community to be supported by commercial development rather than residents alone. In addition, the company will provide monetary donations to both Westlake Fire-EMS and Westlake Academy, two organizations that represent the heart of our community.
A Thoughtful Decision for Generations of Westlake Residents
The new data center is not simply a new building coming to Town. It represents careful planning, responsible leadership, and an investment in Westlake’s future.
Town leaders did not overlook concerns. They did not assume problems would resolve themselves. They identified potential challenges and addressed them before construction began
They selected a location that minimizes residential impact. They protected water resources. They strengthened the power infrastructure. They required noise and aesthetic protections. And they created a financial opportunity that reduces reliance on residential taxpayers. This is what responsible growth looks like.
“Our residents expect thoughtful planning, transparency, and a commitment to protecting what makes Westlake such a special place to call home. This project has been carefully evaluated to ensure it meets our high standards while providing meaningful long-term benefits for our community. The data center will expand our tax base, strengthen funding for public infrastructure and Westlake Academy, and help reduce the tax burden on our residents, all while having minimal impact on daily life”, says Westlake Mayor Kim Greaves.
Westlake has always been intentional about preserving its character while preparing for the future. This project reflects that same commitment: a carefully planned investment that protects our residents today while strengthening our community for tomorrow.
Town Council Data Center Talking Points
These are the highlights of the project. Simple, clear, and concise bullet points to help tell our story when asked by residents.
What is a Data Center?
• A facility that houses networked computer servers, storage systems, and computing infrastructure.
Project Location
• Located off Highway 377, just south of Westlake’s existing pump station
• Approximately 1,200 yards from the nearest Westlake home
Water Usage
• Modern data centers are designed for water efficiency
• Water usage is carefully managed and regulated
o Outside temperature needs to be 94 degrees or above to use water
o On average, only uses water for 62 days per year
• Residents’ water bills will NOT increase because of this project
Electricity Demand
• Residents’ electric bills will NOT increase because of this project
• The data center has paid Oncor to bring infrastructure to the west side of Westlake, dropping a 350-megawatt substation near the pump station
• The additional power will be used for both the pump station and future expansion of the Westlake system, making power more reliable in Town
Noise Levels
• Modern facilities use:
o Sound- dampening technology and enclosed equipment
o Noise levels will comply with Westlake ordinances, which is no more than 56 decibels from 7 am to 7 pm, and no more than 49 decibels from 7 pm to 7 am. That’s equivalent to a household refrigerator.
• Landscaping and natural noise buffers will be installed
Aesthetics & Design
• Project will meet Westlake’s elevated development standards
Traffic Impact
• Only a small number of employees are typically on-site once operational
Economic Benefits
• Major long-term investment in Westlake
• Benefits include:
o Strengthening the Town’s commercial tax base
o Generating consistent long-term revenue
$5m annually for the first 10 years, $7m annually every year after
o Reducing reliance on residential taxes
o Monetary donations to Westlake Fire-EMS and Westlake Academy Environmental & Safety Standards
• Will meet strict environmental and safety requirements
• Does not create ongoing emissions like traditional industrial operations
• Includes multiple operational safety safeguards Town Commitment
• Westlake already has ordinances in place to regulate projects like this
• Town Council and Staff have worked to ensure the project aligns with:
o Westlake’s “Distinctive by Design” standards
o Thoughtful, responsible growth
o Preservation of the community’s character
Data Center Communications Timetable
• July 21st: Present to Council all communications along with Council talking points
• July 22nd: Town of Westlake, Powerhouse, Hillwood meeting
• July 29th: Day of P&Z agenda posting, publish on social media with infographic and publicize new webpage
• August 4: Planning & Zoning meeting
• August 18th: Town Council meeting
o Send email version to residents. Update website and post all new info on social media. Include white papers.
• September 1st: Send persuasive story to media and to Stroll Magazine editors
• September 8th: Create Q&A video with Mayor and Town Manager