UPDATE: Nashville mayor moves to block proposed data center near zoo
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell plans to use eminent domain to block a proposed DC Blox data center near the Nashville Zoo due to strong community opposition and environmental concerns. Concurrently, the Metro Council is considering legislation to prohibit new data centers near sensitive areas in Davidson County and limit their size and electrical capacity. The data center's permit has not yet been approved.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has announced plans to invoke eminent domain to prevent the construction of a proposed DC Blox data center in South Nashville, adjacent to the Nashville Zoo. The Mayor stated, "Metro has a legitimate need for the property adjacent to the zoo," and has filed condemnation legislation to acquire the land.
This action follows significant community backlash, including an online petition garnering over 180,000 signatures, and vocal opposition from Nashville Zoo officials. Zoo CEO Rick Schwartz highlighted concerns that the nearly 70,000-square-foot facility's noise and light pollution could severely impact thousands of animals, particularly rare clouded leopards, disrupting their well-being and breeding efforts.
In parallel with the Mayor's move, the Metro Council is debating new legislation that would restrict future data center development in Davidson County, specifically prohibiting new facilities near zoos, churches, and schools. The proposed bill also aims to cap the size and electrical capacity of future data centers, while allowing the county's 12 existing facilities to continue operations. The permit for the DC Blox project has not yet been approved, leaving its fate uncertain amidst these multiple legal and legislative challenges.