Nashville leaders vote to acquire data center property near zoo
The Metro Nashville Council voted to authorize city officials to acquire property near the Nashville Zoo, where DC BLOX had proposed a data center. This move, supported by Mayor Freddie O'Connell, could involve negotiating a purchase or moving forward with the eminent domain process, despite some council members' concerns about taxpayer costs. The area already faces restrictions and a moratorium on data center development.
The Metro Nashville Council has voted to allow Metro staff to acquire property near the Nashville Zoo, a site where DC BLOX had proposed constructing a data center. This decision, backed by Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell, empowers city officials to either negotiate a purchase with the current property owner or initiate the eminent domain process.
The move comes amid significant public and council debate, with some Metro Council members expressing concerns that the acquisition could cost taxpayers up to $37 million. The proposed data center project has already encountered resistance, including bills advocating for restrictions and a moratorium on development that extends through December. Opponents have labeled the city's potential use of eminent domain as a "gross misuse," arguing it's an emotional response rather than a necessity.
While DC BLOX maintains that its data center designs are intended to address community concerns, the council's vote to pursue property acquisition indicates a strong intent to prevent the project at its current location. The authorization does not finalize the acquisition but paves the way for the city to move forward with negotiations or legal proceedings.