Nashville Metro Council Signs Off On Zoo Data Center Eminent Domain, But Several Steps Remain
Nashville's Metro Council has voted to authorize eminent domain proceedings for property adjacent to the Nashville Zoo, where DC Blox plans a data center. The city's move is ostensibly for office space needs, but faces skepticism over cost and legal challenges. The decision comes amidst ongoing zoning appeals and an existing moratorium on data center construction.
The Nashville Metro Council voted 27-5 to authorize city attorneys to initiate eminent domain proceedings to acquire property next to the Nashville Zoo, where DC Blox is planning to build a data center. Mayor Freddie O'Connell spearheaded this effort, citing the city's "severe shortage of office space" and the need for the South Nashville site.
Despite the vote, the path forward is complex. Pending zoning appeals for the property cannot be heard until a temporary moratorium on data center construction expires in December. Should an appeal be successful, it could derail DC Blox's plans. Furthermore, initiating eminent domain could lead to a protracted legal battle with DC Blox, which recently purchased the property for $23 million, though the county assessed its value at $37 million.
Several council members, including Courtney Johnston, who represents the zoo area and opposes the data center project, expressed reservations about the eminent domain move, calling it "dangerous" and raising concerns about costs. Councilmember Ginny Welsch also criticized the proposal as a "gross misuse of the power of condemnation." An amendment by Councilmember Quin Evans Segall requires council review of any property appraisal and a three-week waiting period before any condemnation action is filed.
Metro departments are also reviewing data center impacts and potential additional regulations following a mayoral executive order. Recommendations are expected within two weeks, with some council members considering further legislation to refine recently instituted zoning rules for data centers.