Mayor files eminent domain legislation in fight over proposed data center by Nashville Zoo
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has filed eminent domain legislation to acquire property where DC Blox plans to build a data center, amidst growing public opposition and a petition with over 533,000 signatures. The Metro Planning Commission has also advanced two bills, one proposing a temporary moratorium on new data centers and another banning large facilities in densely populated areas with stricter rules for others. Despite this, DC Blox maintains they have vested rights and permits in hand.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s Office is pursuing eminent domain legislation to acquire the property slated for a DC BLOX data center adjacent to the Nashville Zoo, citing a need for additional public real estate for departments like NDOT and the fire department.
This action comes amid significant public backlash, with over 533,000 signatures on a petition opposing the project. The Metro Planning Commission has also responded by advancing two bills: one proposing a temporary moratorium on new data center developments and another to ban large hyperscale facilities in densely populated areas of Davidson County while imposing stricter regulations on others.
Despite the growing opposition and mayoral intervention, DC BLOX’s legal representative, Doug Sloan, stated that the company is not backing down, asserting that the project is vested and permits are in hand. However, Metro Codes confirmed that while the permit application has been submitted, it has not yet been issued. The Nashville Zoo has publicly supported the mayor’s eminent domain plan, calling it a “huge win” for the community.
A public hearing on these matters is scheduled for July 7.