Petition against Nashville Zoo data center reaches 500,000 signatures
A petition against a proposed DC Blox data center near the Nashville Zoo in Nashville, TN, has garnered over 500,000 signatures, citing environmental concerns and a lack of impact studies. In response to community pushback, the Metro Council approved a temporary moratorium on data center zoning and building permits in Davidson County, which Mayor Freddie O'Connell has supported.
A petition launched by the Nashville Zoo against a proposed DC Blox data center near its property has garnered over 500,000 signatures. The Zoo cites concerns over the lack of environmental impact assessments and potential harm to its 3,000 animals, 1.4 million visitors, and local community. The proposed facility is planned as a 69,000-square-foot building, with DC Blox intending to expand it to over 330,000 square feet.
DC Blox responded to the significant community pushback by stating its commitment to responsible development. The company plans to use closed-loop or waterless cooling designs, pay for all power consumption and necessary energy infrastructure, manage noise to local levels, shield light fixtures, and adhere to all federal and local environmental regulations. DC Blox also expressed readiness to discuss further community concerns.
In related developments, the Nashville Metro Council approved an ordinance on June 9, declaring a temporary moratorium on the acceptance, processing, approval, and issuance of zoning, building, or grading permits for data centers across Davidson County. This ordinance still requires approval from the Metro Planning Commission. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has voiced support for the temporary moratorium by signing an executive order, as the city considers additional legislation to address the growing data center industry in Tennessee. Public opposition has been substantial, with an unprecedented crowd at a recent meeting overwhelmingly objecting to both the zoo-adjacent project and another planned facility at Fisk University.