Metro advances eminent domain effort to try to block DC BLOX data center
Nashville's Metro Council approved a move to initiate eminent domain proceedings against land planned for a DC BLOX data center, following significant community opposition. This legal action, championed by Mayor Freddie O'Connell, aims to block the project near the Nashville Zoo. Separately, the council enacted new land-use regulations and a temporary moratorium on data center permits, though these don't directly stop this specific project.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell's administration is pushing to block a proposed DC BLOX data center near the Nashville Zoo, securing approval from the Metro Council on Tuesday to begin legal action for eminent domain. This move allows the city to pursue seizing the land, which Mayor O'Connell stated is needed for Metro office space in South Nashville, thereby preventing the data center's construction. This action comes after massive community backlash, including a petition signed by over 500,000 people and public opposition from hundreds of residents and notable figures like country singer Brad Paisley and Senator Marsha Blackburn.
The Metro Council also adopted new land-use regulations that restrict data center locations based on size and energy use, and impose limits on noise pollution and fossil-fuel generation. Concurrently, a temporary moratorium on new data center permits was enacted until December 1. However, these new policies do not have the power to stop the DC BLOX project. Two specific zoning challenges against the project are pending before the Board of Zoning Appeals, with decisions not expected until at least December, after the moratorium expires.
The potential cost of acquiring the property via eminent domain is a concern, as DC BLOX purchased it for $23 million, and it was appraised at $37 million last year. Councilmember Courtney Johnston highlighted the minimum cost of $37.4 million, acknowledging the financial risk while emphasizing the council's ability to revoke authorization based on appraisal information.