Nashville neighbors rally against data center planned near the zoo, urging company to back out
Neighbors in Nashville are rallying against a proposed DC BLOX data center near the Nashville Zoo, citing environmental and health concerns regarding noise, air, and significant water usage. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has filed legislation to acquire the property via eminent domain, while the Metro Council is set to vote on a temporary data center moratorium and new zoning restrictions. Permits for the DC BLOX project are currently pending approval.
Neighbors in South Nashville, along with city leaders and Nashville Zoo officials, are actively opposing a proposed data center development by DC BLOX near the Nashville Zoo. On Thursday afternoon, dozens of residents rallied outside Market Street Enterprises, urging the company to withdraw from its deal with DC BLOX for the property. Concerns center on potential environmental and health impacts, including noise and air pollution, and significant water usage, which protesters believe will harm both the zoo's animals and the surrounding community.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has introduced legislation aimed at acquiring the property through eminent domain for public use. The Metro Council is scheduled to hold public hearings and a second vote on two key pieces of legislation on Tuesday, July 7. One proposal seeks to implement a temporary moratorium on new data centers, while the other aims to establish new restrictions, such as preventing data centers from being built near sensitive areas like schools, churches, and zoos within Davidson County.
DC BLOX, which states the property deal has already closed, acknowledges "misinformation" circulating and is committed to meeting with city officials, zoo leaders, and community members to address concerns and find a resolution. The company previously emphasized that the facility is intended to support regional technology needs and that it plans to collaborate with local leaders throughout the development process. Permits for the data center project are currently awaiting approval.