Nashville protesters push land owner to halt data center sale near zoo
Residents in Nashville are protesting a proposed data center development by DC BLOX near the Nashville Zoo, urging landowner Market Street Enterprises to halt the sale. Over 500,000 people have signed a petition against the project due to concerns about air and water pollution. The proposed data center zoning rules are set to go before the Metro Council next week.
Nashville residents are actively protesting a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo, urging Market Street Enterprises to withdraw from a deal to sell the land to DC BLOX. Demonstrators rallied outside Market Street Enterprises' offices, expressing concerns about potential air and water pollution, citing issues at other data centers in Tennessee, including one in Memphis where the Environmental Law Center reportedly found the facility operating more turbines than permitted.
Rebecca Benny, a resident, voiced frustration over the lack of environmental impact studies for the Nashville project. DC BLOX released a statement asserting they meet rigorous industry standards and are open to modifying designs based on specific concerns. However, protestors, including those from across Nashville, are refusing to give up, with over 500,000 people having signed an online petition opposing the data center. They aim to protect all of Davidson County from such developments.
The proposed data center zoning rules are scheduled for a second of three readings before the Metro Council next week. Mayor Freddie O'Connell is also reportedly meeting with the developers to discuss their plans.