Council approves eminent domain to buy proposed data center land near Nashville Zoo
The Metro Council in Nashville approved the use of eminent domain to acquire property intended for a data center near the Nashville Zoo. This decision is a significant step in the ongoing effort to prevent the DC BLOX AI data center from being built due to environmental and resident concerns, though the land is not yet guaranteed to be taken.
The Nashville Metro Council has approved the final step in an initiative to prevent a proposed data center from being built near the Nashville Zoo. The 27-to-5 vote grants the Metro government the authority to pursue eminent domain for the property, allowing them to negotiate for its acquisition or, if necessary, initiate condemnation proceedings. Council members emphasized that this vote does not automatically seize the land but provides Metro Legal with the option to move forward with negotiations while retaining eminent domain as a possibility.
Council members acknowledged the emotional and consequential nature of the vote, which followed months of public debate. Opposition to DC BLOX's proposal for an AI data center has been vocal, with zoo leaders and nearby residents raising concerns about potential impacts on animals and the community. Supporters of using eminent domain suggest the property could be used for Metro office and training space, thereby preventing the data center's construction. However, opponents caution that taxpayers could face costs of at least $37 million for the property, plus additional legal expenses. DC BLOX has not yet indicated whether it will challenge this move in court.