Nashville considers using eminent domain to stop a planned data center from irritating zoo animals
Nashville officials are considering using eminent domain to seize property purchased by DC BLOX for a planned data center, following opposition from the Nashville Zoo and local residents. The Metro Council has also passed a temporary moratorium and new zoning restrictions for data centers. DC BLOX has committed to mitigation efforts but faces significant local pushback.
In Nashville, Atlanta-based DC BLOX's plans to construct a new data center have sparked significant opposition, primarily from the Nashville Zoo, which is adjacent to the proposed site. Zoo president Rick Schwartz argues that the constant noise and vibrations from the data center could harm hearing-sensitive animals, particularly endangered clouded leopards, impacting their breeding success. The zoo has also voiced broader concerns about the data center's potential strain on local water and power resources.
The Nashville-Davidson Metro Council has responded by enacting a temporary moratorium on new data centers and adopting new zoning restrictions. Additionally, legislation supported by Mayor Freddie O'Connell is advancing, which would empower the city to acquire DC BLOX's recently purchased $23 million property through eminent domain. While DC BLOX claims it will install sound barriers and use quieter equipment to remain below zoning noise limits, and asserts that its project is permissible under existing zoning rules, city zoning officials have indicated that the newly passed restrictions may not apply to DC BLOX's project due to its prior permit filings. DC BLOX could potentially challenge any eminent domain seizure on the grounds that the city's stated 'public use' reason for the taking is merely a pretext to stop the data center. The eminent domain legislation is expected to face a final vote on August 4.