Nashville Zoo data center fight draws 'unprecedented' crowd
Hundreds of Nashville residents, including zoo supporters, packed a Metro Nashville Planning Commission meeting to oppose a proposed DC BLOX data center near the Nashville Zoo. Concerns include noise, water usage, and energy demands, with the zoo filing a zoning appeal and a council member introducing a bill to regulate data centers. The widespread opposition also includes a protest against a proposed data center at Fisk University.
An "unprecedented" crowd filled the Metro Nashville Planning Commission chambers on June 11, with hundreds of residents expressing strong opposition to data center expansion, particularly a controversial project planned adjacent to the Nashville Zoo. Speakers urged city leaders to implement stronger regulations and halt the proposed South Nashville development, citing concerns about noise, constant energy and water use, diesel backup generators, and potential impacts on zoo animals and residents.
The focus of the opposition is a DC BLOX project on Grassmere Park, initially filed as a 69,220-square-foot data center. However, uncovered planning documents reveal the potential for a second, much larger building exceeding 202,000 square feet, along with an electrical substation, collectively capable of 50 megawatts. This discovery has intensified opposition from zoo supporters and environmental advocates.
Metro Nashville Council member Rollin Horton has sponsored a bill to establish Nashville's first data center-specific regulations, imposing restrictions on hyperscale facilities and requiring additional public review for smaller projects. The Nashville Zoo has escalated its fight by filing a zoning appeal to overturn previously approved permits for the DC BLOX project. The Planning Commission is expected to defer a decision until June 25, with the Metro Nashville Council to hold its own public hearing next month. Separately, students and advocates protested a proposed 100,000-square-foot data center at Fisk University, highlighting broader community concerns about data center growth in the city.
DC BLOX previously stated that their project would provide "much-needed digital infrastructure" without burdening local resources.