Metro Takes Step to Block Proposed Data Center Near Zoo

Metro Nashville is actively moving to prevent the construction of a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo, following the Metro Council's approval of legislation to acquire the property. The measure grants Mayor Freddie O’Connell's administration the authority to negotiate with DC Blox, which recently purchased the site for $23 million. Should negotiations fail, the city has the option to pursue eminent domain, requiring payment of at least the appraised market value, estimated at $37.4 million, from the city's general fund.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Nashville to regulate data center development. In recent weeks, the Metro Council also passed the city's first-ever data center regulations and enacted a temporary moratorium on new data center construction until December to allow for further policy considerations. The mayor's office has confirmed its intent to proceed with the acquisition process, aiming to repurpose the land for public uses such as offices, warehouses, or government facilities.