DC BLOX sues Metro Nashville over proposed data center near Nashville Zoo

DC BLOX has filed a federal lawsuit against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, alleging the city unlawfully blocked its proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo. The developer contends that its permit applications for the Grassmere Park project had already vested under Tennessee law before Metro Nashville adopted new data center regulations and a temporary moratorium this summer. DC BLOX is seeking a federal court order to allow the project to proceed under the previously existing rules and is also pursuing damages, including attorney fees.

The lawsuit challenges Metro's temporary moratorium on data center development, its revised zoning restrictions, and the subsequent decision to halt the processing of DC BLOX's permits. Metro Nashville's legal team stated they are "preparing to defend Metro against DC Blox's claims," expressing confidence in the lawfulness of their actions and the moratorium. The city's moratorium, which was later extended to December 1, was enacted following public debate and cited concerns about electrical demand, noise, and other operational impacts of large-scale data facilities.

Additionally, DC BLOX's lawsuit cites Metro Council's recent authorization to negotiate for the purchase or condemnation of the 23.49-acre Grassmere Park Drive property. This action, intended for "office, warehouse, training and other uses" by Metro departments, is presented by DC BLOX as part of a series of government actions impeding its project. The legal battle is ongoing, with a judge yet to rule on DC BLOX's nine claims against the city.