Nashville Zoo Rebuts DC BLOX on Proposed Data Center as Backlash Continues
The Nashville Zoo is publicly disputing claims made by DC BLOX regarding a proposed data center adjacent to its property. The zoo expresses significant concerns about the data center's 50-megawatt power demand straining an already unreliable local grid. Additionally, Mayor Freddie O'Connell's office declined to offer incentives for the project.
The Nashville Zoo has publicly challenged statements made by DC BLOX, an Atlanta-based digital infrastructure company, concerning a proposed data center adjacent to the zoo. The zoo disputes DC BLOX's characterization of the facility and its claims of legal standing regarding the property.
The controversial project involves a 202,000-square-foot data center DC BLOX intends to build on land acquired from MarketStreet Enterprises. This facility would include an on-site electrical substation and require up to 50 megawatts of power, which the zoo estimates is enough to supply 50,000 homes.
Leah Trice, a spokesperson for the Nashville Zoo, voiced strong concerns about the substantial power demand, citing existing grid reliability issues in the area. Trice highlighted a nearly three-day power outage the zoo experienced during a February ice storm, warning that added strain on the grid would be "catastrophic" for the zoo, its animals, and the community. Furthermore, Mayor Freddie O'Connell's office reportedly declined to offer incentives to the digital infrastructure developer during a March meeting. The transaction's closing date is stated as July 6.