Petition against proposed data center next to Nashville Zoo gets more than 400,000 signatures
A petition against a proposed DC BLOX data center next to the Nashville Zoo has amassed over 400,000 signatures, indicating strong community opposition. In response to increasing regulations, the Metro Council has advanced an ordinance for a temporary moratorium on data center development in Davidson County. DC BLOX has acknowledged concerns and outlined its environmental and operational plans.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A petition launched by the Nashville Zoo against a proposed DC BLOX data center, planned for 648 Grassmere Park in South Nashville, has garnered more than 400,000 signatures in under a week. The proposed 69,220 square-foot facility, located just feet from the zoo, has drawn significant community concern, including support from country star Brad Paisley. Jeremy Dreiling filed the permit application for the project, which also includes the demolition of two existing buildings.
In response to the growing opposition, DC BLOX issued a statement acknowledging the concerns. The company outlined plans to use closed-loop or waterless cooling designs, pay for all power and necessary infrastructure, manage noise levels, shield light fixtures, and adhere to environmental regulations. DC BLOX stated its readiness to discuss and address further community concerns.
Simultaneously, Nashville's Metro Council has taken action to increase data center regulations. On June 9, the council advanced an ordinance proposing a temporary moratorium on the acceptance, processing, approval, and issuance of zoning, building, or grading permits for data centers across Davidson County. This moratorium could impact the proposed DC BLOX project near the zoo, as well as another data center proposal near Fisk University.