Metro Council faces final vote on land tied to controversial Nashville Zoo data center
The Nashville Metro Council is preparing for a final vote on whether the city can acquire a property next to the Nashville Zoo, which is the planned site for a controversial data center by DC BLOX. The vote would authorize the city to pursue a negotiated purchase or eminent domain, despite prior opposition from residents and the zoo over environmental concerns. The council recently enacted broader data center zoning regulations and a temporary moratorium, though their impact on this specific project is uncertain.
The Nashville Metro Council is set to cast a final vote on Tuesday regarding the city's acquisition of a 23.49-acre property located at 648 Grassmere Park, adjacent to the Nashville Zoo. This land is the proposed site for a 10-megawatt data center by DC BLOX, a project that has drawn significant controversy and opposition from local residents and leaders of the Nashville Zoo.
While the Metro government states its need for the property for offices, warehouse space, and other public uses, DC BLOX had already purchased the land for $23 million in July. Opponents have raised concerns about potential noise, emissions, lighting, and the impact on nearby animals. DC BLOX, however, has clarified that it is not an AI data center and has committed to mitigating concerns by limiting sound, using a waterless or closed-loop cooling system, and covering the costs of necessary power infrastructure.
The bill, BL2026-1489, has passed two previous readings. If approved in its third and final vote, it would grant Metro officials the authority to begin negotiations for purchase or initiate eminent domain proceedings, requiring compensation to the current property owner. This vote comes after the Metro Council recently approved broader zoning regulations and a temporary moratorium on data centers, although city zoning officials have indicated these new rules might not prevent the DC BLOX project due to its advanced application status.