Petition against proposed data center next to Nashville Zoo gets more than 400,000 signatures
A petition against a proposed data center next to the Nashville Zoo has garnered over 400,000 signatures. Local leaders are considering new regulations to limit data center development, with a recent Planning Commission meeting drawing a large crowd of concerned residents.
Residents of Nashville are actively opposing a proposed data center slated for construction adjacent to the Nashville Zoo. A petition launched by the zoo has quickly amassed over 400,000 signatures, drawing support from public figures including country superstar Brad Paisley.
The issue escalated into a significant public outcry, with hundreds of concerned citizens attending a recent Nashville Planning Commission meeting. Many were forced to wait outside as the room reached capacity, eager to voice their objections. Speakers urged the commissioners to support proposed regulations aimed at controlling data center development within the city.
Commissioner Horton's proposed legislation seeks to significantly limit where data centers can be built in Nashville. The bill would ban any new data centers exceeding 500,000 square feet and restrict smaller facilities to heavy industrial zones, requiring developers to clear multiple hurdles for permits. Following extensive public feedback, the Planning Commission decided to defer a decision on these new regulations.