DC Blox sues Metro over Nashville Zoo-area data center moratorium. Here’s what we know
DC Blox has filed a federal lawsuit against Metro Nashville regarding a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo. The company alleges that Metro unlawfully ceased processing its permits due to a temporary data center moratorium, despite prior vested permit applications. Metro Council had previously enacted new data center regulations and a construction moratorium, which DC Blox claims violates its constitutional rights.
DC Blox has initiated a federal lawsuit against Metro Nashville, challenging the city's temporary moratorium on data center construction. The dispute centers on DC Blox's proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo, for which the company claims Metro unlawfully stopped processing permits. DC Blox argues that its permit applications had previously been deemed vested by Metro's zoning administrator.
The lawsuit asserts that Metro's actions infringe upon due process, equal protection, and constitutional protections against property seizure without just compensation. DC Blox further alleges that the site had historically operated as a data center under a previous tenant, Asurion.
In July, the Metro Council passed new data center regulations and enacted a construction moratorium set to remain active through December. This legal action by DC Blox follows the Metro Council's authorization to potentially acquire the DC Blox property through negotiation or eminent domain, although the city still needs to obtain an appraisal and is not obligated to purchase the land.