South Nashville neighbors push back against data center near Nashville Zoo
South Nashville residents and the Nashville Zoo are opposing plans for a new data center by DC BLOX, raising concerns about noise, vibration, and health impacts on both animals and humans. The Metro Council has passed a temporary moratorium on data centers on first reading, and the Zoo has filed a zoning appeal to overturn previously approved permits.
Residents in South Nashville, led by Jurors Small and his grassroots organization "No New Data Centers," are actively campaigning against plans for a new data center near the Nashville Zoo. Concerns include potential reproductive health issues for families, constant mechanical noise, vibration, and bright lights impacting both residents and the zoo's animals. An online petition against the project continues to grow.
Georgia-based DC BLOX has filed a permit for a nearly 70,000 square-foot facility, with a planning document also listing a second building of over 200,000 square feet and an electrical substation. The Nashville Zoo's head veterinarian warned the City Council that these developments could significantly harm their animals, which depend on consistency and stability in their environment.
In response to public outcry, the Metro Council passed a temporary moratorium on data centers on its first reading. Furthermore, the Nashville Zoo has initiated legal action against the project, with their land use attorney filing a zoning appeal to overturn previously approved permits. DC BLOX, in a statement, affirmed that their facility would not drain local resources, would use a waterless cooling system, pay for all power consumed, fund new infrastructure, and maintain noise at acceptable levels.