‘Three stories tall’: Site plans for proposed data center near Nashville Zoo bigger than originally thought
A proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo has expanded its scope to two three-story buildings, intensifying public opposition and concern for endangered species. A petition against the project has gained hundreds of thousands of signatures as a key public hearing approaches to amend Nashville's zoning code to define data centers. Additional hearings on a proposed moratorium are also expected.
Opposition is growing against a proposed data center adjacent to the Nashville Zoo as updated site renderings reveal an expanded project scope, now including two three-story buildings. Nashville Zoo President and CEO Rick Schwartz expressed serious concerns, stating the enlarged complex poses a disaster for the zoo's conservation work, particularly its collection of endangered clouded leopards. A petition opposing the project has garnered over 380,000 signatures, drawing national attention.
Metro Council member Courtney Johnston highlighted that Nashville's current zoning code does not specifically define data centers, forcing the city to "play catch-up" in regulating the rapidly emerging industry. She noted that without specific definitions, developers could be placed into broader land-use classifications that may bypass environmental reviews.
Drew Small, founder of the grassroots campaign 'No New Data Centers' and a nearby resident, emphasized that the issue extends beyond the zoo, reflecting broader concerns about development and zoning policy in Davidson County. A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday at the Planning Commission to consider a text amendment that would formally define data centers in Nashville's zoning code. Further hearings on related legislation, including a proposed moratorium on data center development, are anticipated later this month and in early July.