Nashville Zoo rejects deal that would have allowed data center near animal park
The Nashville Zoo rejected a proposed deal from DC Blox to build a data center near the animal park. The zoo and local residents raised concerns about potential air pollution, water contamination, and noise impacts on vulnerable species and the community. Despite DC Blox's revised offer, the zoo's CEO stated they would not compromise on safety concerns.
The Nashville Zoo has officially rejected a proposed deal with data center provider DC Blox for a new 69,200-square-foot data center adjacent to the animal park. Zoo CEO Rick Schwartz cited concerns for the community and the 3,000 animals in their care, stating that a data center in such close proximity to vulnerable species, schools, and neighborhoods has not been proven safe.
Local residents have voiced strong opposition, expressing worries about noise, air pollution, water contamination, and the impact on local creeks and electricity. One resident, Drew Small, highlighted a range of concerns from water quality to noise impact on neighbors and zoo animals. Another resident, Will Thomsen, specifically mentioned concerns about water quality.
DC Blox had proposed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that included a smaller footprint than initially planned and offered to return some purchased land to the zoo. The company maintains its commitment to finding a mutually beneficial outcome and plans to include design elements such as sound mitigation, buffers, and barriers to prevent impacts on the zoo and neighbors. The company also clarified that the Nashville facility is intended to support local data network infrastructure, not be an "AI factory" burdening local resources.