Crowd packs Metro Council meeting against data center
The Metro Council in Davidson County, Tennessee, held a lengthy meeting where a large crowd expressed opposition to data center development. Two bills, one proposing a temporary moratorium and another establishing size and location restrictions for data centers, passed their second reading and await a final vote. Residents voiced concerns about water, electricity usage, and local benefits, with particular focus on a DC BLOX project near the Nashville Zoo.
The Nashville Metro Council advanced two bills regulating and pausing data center development in Davidson County, Tennessee, after a marathon meeting that drew 245 public speakers and lasted until 2:30 AM. Vice Mayor Angie Henderson noted the large public turnout, with many raising hands in opposition to the legislation.
Both bills passed their second reading and now require a third and final vote. One bill proposes a temporary moratorium on data center construction, while the other aims to prohibit data centers larger than 500,000 square feet and restrict their proximity to homes, schools, zoos, and public transit corridors.
Prior to the council meeting, a crowd gathered outside the Metro Courthouse, chanting "People over profit" and criticizing data centers as a "money grab" by billionaires. Inside, speakers used their allotted two minutes to question the benefits of data centers, their extensive use of water and electricity, and the lack of clarity regarding their impact on local communities. Residents also warned council members that their stance on the legislation would influence future voting decisions.
Developer DC BLOX, which is behind a data center project near the Nashville Zoo, stated it had productive conversations with zoo leadership, the mayor's office, and Metroleal. DC BLOX reportedly addressed concerns by committing to cover 100% of power costs and implementing advanced equipment to mitigate noise, ensuring it remains within limits.