Metro Nashville wants to seize the land earmarked for a data center near the zoo. Here’s what we know
Metro Nashville is moving to seize land previously earmarked for a proposed DC Blox data center near the city's zoo by filing condemnation legislation. The action follows significant public outcry from local officials, residents, environmental groups, and celebrities over the project's potential noise and environmental impacts. The Metro Council is also considering new zoning restrictions and a temporary moratorium on data center development.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell's office has confirmed that the Metro government is initiating condemnation legislation to seize property intended for a proposed data center campus by DC Blox. This move comes after growing public concern from Nashville Zoo officials, neighbors, environmental groups, and country music star Brad Paisley.
The proposed DC Blox campus, which would feature two data center buildings with a combined 50 megawatts of power capacity, has faced opposition due to its proximity to the zoo, concerns about noise, and potential environmental impacts. Environmental groups specifically highlighted the risk to the federally endangered Nashville crayfish.
In response to public pressure, including a large online petition, the Metro Council is also considering new zoning restrictions and a temporary moratorium on data center development in Davidson County. These proposals are scheduled for a public hearing on July 7. DC Blox representatives have previously stated the project is vested with existing permits, while also expressing a desire to collaborate with the community.