Daily Digest — June 16, 2026
Nashville Faces Mounting Political Opposition to DC BLOX Data Center Near Zoo
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has signed an executive order directing Metro departments to conduct a two-month study on the impacts of large-scale data centers and develop policy recommendations, according to WPLN News. The order comes amid broad political and community opposition to a proposed 70,000-square-foot DC BLOX data center adjacent to the Nashville Zoo.
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who is running for governor, questioned the project's siting in a social media video, urging developers to "revisit this placement," as reported by the Nashville Banner. State Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville) has also voiced opposition, noting the facility's proximity to historically Black Fisk University. A Nashville Zoo petition against the project has garnered over 400,000 signatures, and country musician Brad Paisley has publicly called the project a "monstrosity," according to KHOU 11.
The Metro Council has passed a proposed moratorium on new data center permits on its first of three required votes, per WPLN News. If enacted, it would pause approvals until November or until new zoning restrictions are adopted. Proposed zoning restrictions, which have also cleared an initial vote, would:
- Ban data centers exceeding 500,000 square feet outright
- Establish limitations for smaller facilities
The Metro Planning Commission postponed a vote on imposing restrictions until June 25, according to KHOU 11.
DC BLOX has stated the facility would use closed-loop (waterless) cooling and that noise tests would ensure sound levels remain at or below current levels, as reported by The Center Square. The company noted the site is in an Industrial Warehouse District and is an allowable by-right use. The Data Center Coalition warned that moratoriums could deter investment, citing the industry's $10 billion contribution to Tennessee's GDP in 2024.
The mayor's executive order was also reported by the Nashville Scene, which noted the opposition encompasses two projects: the DC BLOX facility near the zoo and a separate data center planned as part of Fisk University's $1 billion master plan.
Data center opposition grows; company addresses concerns
The Center Square
Why a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo is controversial
KHOU 11
Senator Marsha Blackburn Questions Proposed Data Center Near Nashville Zoo
Nashville Banner
O’Connell Issues Executive Order Supporting Moratorium on Data Centers
Nashville Scene
Nashville Mayor, Senator, and Zoo Unite in Opposition to Planned Data Center
WPLN News
Elk River, Minnesota Residents Oppose Proposed 33-Megawatt Data Center
A proposed 33-megawatt data center in Elk River, Minnesota, is facing significant public opposition, with residents packing City Hall to voice concerns about noise, water usage, and electricity demand, according to CBS News. The facility would convert an existing 60,000-square-foot building on Industrial Boulevard and is projected to generate up to $800,000 annually for the city and create 40 jobs.
Two other larger data centers already operate in Elk River but are exempt from current regulations due to being over 20 years old, as reported by KARE 11. The City Council is reviewing:
- Amendments to zoning ordinances
- New standards for noise levels and cooling systems
- A conditional use permit for the proposed development
A noise study is underway with results expected at the June 23 Planning Commission meeting. Two additional public hearings are scheduled before a council vote expected in early August, per KARE 11.
Kathryn Hoffman, executive director of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, is advocating for a two-year statewide moratorium on data centers, arguing that cities are not adequately equipped to conduct sufficient environmental analysis, according to WCCO. Other Twin Cities-area communities — including Minneapolis, Eagan, Wright County townships, and Inver Grove Heights — have already passed data center moratoriums. Minneapolis enacted a six-month moratorium running through November and is considering permanent regulations.
Proposed data center in Elk River faces opposition from residents
CBS News
Public pushes back against proposed data center in Elk River
kare11.com
Residents push back against data center proposal
KARE 11
Public pushes back against proposed Elk River data center
KARE 11
Elk River residents raise concerns over proposed data center
WCCO - CBS Minnesota
Palm Beach County Landowners Sue Over Competing Hyperscale Data Center Visions
A legal dispute has erupted between two landowners over "Project Tango," a hyperscale AI data center proposed for a 202-acre industrial site in Palm Beach County, Florida. WPB Logistics Owner, backed by Atlanta-based TPA Group, has filed an emergency injunction in Palm Beach County Circuit Court seeking to compel PBA Holdings to withdraw its master plan application, according to Stet News.
WPB Logistics alleges that PBA Holdings' pursuit of Project Tango has caused delays and financial harm, and subjected WPB to stricter development controls due to public opposition. WPB argues that if PBAH's application is withdrawn, WPB could convert 1.2 million square feet of approved warehouse space into 1.15 million square feet of data center space through an administrative process — avoiding public hearings — because data centers are already permitted under the site's zoning.
PBA Holdings' master plan, which proposes to increase the site's buildable area to 3.4 million square feet, is scheduled for:
- Palm Beach County Zoning Commission hearing: July 2
- County Commission hearing: July 15
The lawsuit revealed a previously undisclosed August 2021 contract between the parties, including WPB's option to buy additional land from PBAH, per Stet News. The Palm Beach Post also confirmed the legal filing.
Separately, former Florida CIO Jamie Grant published an opinion piece in Florida Politics advocating for Project Tango's approval. Grant noted that PBA Holdings has committed to funding any new electrical infrastructure, uses a closed-loop cooling system consuming 5,000 gallons per day at full buildout, and has reduced the project's footprint to move buildings approximately 2,000 feet from nearby homes and an elementary school.
Lakeland, Florida Moves Toward 12-Month Moratorium on Large-Scale Data Centers
Lakeland city officials have approved drafting a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data center developments following community opposition to "Project Swan," a proposed 500,000-to-600,000-square-foot facility near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road, according to 92.5 Maxima. The developer has placed the project on hold, citing a need to review initial municipal requirements.
City Commissioner Stephanie Madden highlighted the challenge a 300-megawatt hyperscale operation would pose to Lakeland's local power grid and water permits, as reported by 92.5 Maxima. Key dates for the moratorium process:
- First hearing: July 6
- Public hearing: July 20 (or July 21 per 10 Tampa Bay)
The moratorium could conclude earlier if new regulations are enacted before the 12-month period expires.
Lakeland's action is part of a regional trend across the Tampa Bay area, with 10 Tampa Bay reporting that Citrus County has already implemented moratoriums while Hernando, Pinellas, and Pasco counties are considering them. Pasco County is scheduled to hold its first public hearing on July 7.
The Black Chronicle noted that Florida's SB 484, signed by Governor DeSantis, established statewide environmental standards and permitting processes but left specific zoning and land use decisions to local jurisdictions. Nassau County approved its own 12-month moratorium earlier this month to amend its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.
Lakeland begins drafting one-year moratorium for large-scale data centers
Tampa Bay 28
Lakeland Halts Large-Scale Data Centers Amid Community Concerns, Launches 12-Month Moratorium
92.5 maxima
Data center pushback continues across the Tampa Bay area
10 Tampa Bay News
City of Lakeland will discuss a moratorium on a future AI data center
10 Tampa Bay News
Florida’s local governments grapple with data center development
The Black Chronicle
Allen Park, Michigan Enacts Six-Month Data Center Moratorium
The Allen Park City Council enacted a six-month moratorium on data center development on June 9, days after its Planning Commission voted to deny a 26-megawatt project proposed by Solstice Data on Enterprise Drive, according to the News-Herald.
The Planning Commission had tabled Solstice Data's application three times seeking additional information. Commissioner Dan Loyd stated that the rapidly growing data center industry presents questions companies are not yet prepared to answer. Public meetings drew standing-room-only crowds with concerns about:
- Noise and air pollution from the proposed "edge" data center
- Strain on water and electrical systems
- Potential increases in utility bills
Allen Park joins other Detroit-area communities — Taylor, Melvindale, and Gibraltar — that have implemented similar moratoriums. Gibraltar's action halted a proposed data center at a former McLouth Steel site.
