AI data center in our backyard
Get a free big ol’ trashcan
Dad bod car wash?
Here's your weekly Keller recap.
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📌 THE BIG STORY
Westlake's Planning & Zoning Commission approved the site plan for the Circle T data center on August 4 in front of a capacity crowd, after nearly two hours of public comment and more than two hours behind closed doors. Many of the 40-plus speakers were Keller residents, because this thing lands right against the Marshall Ridge neighborhood, with the nearest Keller homes about 506 feet from the building line. The commission attached conditions, including sound barrier walls at least 8 feet high along the entire southern boundary, and the final call now goes to the Westlake Town Council on August 18. No construction can start until a development agreement passes. Keller Mayor Ross McMullin says the city is in full support of Marshall Ridge residents and expects Westlake to treat Keller families with courtesy and respect. Keller doesn't get a vote here, so August 18 is the night that decides it. We'll cover the outcome next week.
🏗️ WHAT'S GETTING BUILT
Registration is open for a free 95-gallon rolling trash cart as part of the city's new CWD contract that starts September 1. Sign up at cityofkeller.com/cart by Friday, August 28, and carts start arriving as early as mid-August. One heads-up: CWD won't automatically haul off your old can. If you want it gone, label it clearly as trash and set it out on a regular pickup day.
Four public hearings are set for the August 11 P&Z meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall. Eagle Tavern wants a permit to run an indoor entertainment facility at 721 Keller Parkway near Bourland, and the city is considering new citywide rules for electric vehicle charging stations. Also on the agenda: a replat of five lots on Calais Drive and Willis Lane, and a sign request tied to Chalk & Steel, the billiards and darts spot building out at 761 Keller Parkway. If you live near any of these, Tuesday night is your chance to speak.
🎒 SCHOOLS & KISD
KISD's 2026-27 school year kicks off Wednesday, August 12, with a short three-day first week to ease everybody back in. Lock in your drop-off routines and bus plans now, because that first Wednesday morning comes fast. One more date for the fridge: the school board holds a special meeting Thursday, August 13, where the November bond call is expected. Full story next issue.
KISD is running immunization clinics Monday, August 10, from 3 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, August 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Education Center Board Room, 350 Keller Parkway. If your kid still needs shots to meet state requirements, this is the last district-run chance before day one. Bring their printed vaccine record and a parent or guardian.
KISD is taking Free and Reduced Meal Applications for 2026-27 online now, and thanks to a state grant, students approved for reduced-price meals get breakfast and lunch at no charge this year. That's real grocery money back in your pocket. You need a fresh application each school year, so don't assume last year's carries over.
🚧 ROADS
Traffic on Keller Hicks Road is expected to shift onto two newly completed lanes during the week of August 10, with the goal of restoring two-way traffic by December. The overall project is on track to finish in May 2027. If Keller Hicks is part of your school run toward Park Vista or North Tarrant Parkway, expect a new traffic pattern the same week kids go back. Build in a few extra minutes those first mornings.
🍔 FOOD & EATS
The Hush Sushi team held their groundbreaking Tuesday at 200 Keller Parkway for HOPS, their "East China meets steakhouse" concept with premium steaks, Chinese food, and a full bar. It's a $3.5 million, 7,200-square-foot build with an opening targeted for summer or fall of 2027. Dirt is finally turning on one of Old Town's most anticipated projects, so a real date-night spot is officially on the way.
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe, the sandwich, soup, and pizza spot building out at 1521 Keller Parkway, is now reportedly targeting a late summer or early fall opening. No firm date has been announced, so don't plan lunch there just yet. It's designed for quick dine-in and takeout, which makes it a natural school-night option once the doors open.
And a quick watch-list update: Red Pepper Wok at 1411 Keller Parkway still hasn't opened. The sign still says coming soon and there's no confirmed date, so we'll keep an eye on it.
🎉 THIS WEEKEND
THIS WEEKEND (Aug 8-9)
Keller Farmers Market — Saturday, August 8, 8 a.m. to noon at Bear Creek Park, 400 Bear Creek Parkway. Free admission. Fresh Texas produce, baked goods, and an easy morning out with the kids before school eats your Saturdays.
Back-to-School Blessing and Breakfast — Sunday, August 9, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Keller United Methodist Church, 1025 Johnson Road. The organizer hasn't listed a cost. A community breakfast and send-off the morning before school week begins.
NEXT WEEKEND (Aug 14-16)
Kidpreneur Day at the Keller Farmers Market — Saturday, August 15, 8 a.m. to noon at Bear Creek Park. Free to browse. Young entrepreneurs ages 5 to 18 run their own booths alongside the regular market, and it's the most kid-forward market date of the month.
Dad Bod Car and Bike Wash at Three Wide Brewing — Saturday, August 15, afternoon into evening at Three Wide Brewing Co. in Keller. We can't help but picture middle-aged men out there scrubbing tailgates in daisy dukes. We certainly hope that is not the case. Either way, we FULLY support this one: it's a charity car and bike wash benefiting Guardians of the Children, a nonprofit that supports kids who've survived abuse. Pull up, get the truck washed & grab a beer. The money goes to protecting kids.
That's your Keller news. See you next week!
