Nashville NAACP town hall addresses data center possibility in Fisk University's master plan
Fisk University and the Nashville NAACP held a community town hall to discuss the university's master plan, which includes the potential for a 30-megawatt data center. Community members raised concerns about environmental impact, water, and energy usage. Fisk University emphasized the early stages of the plan and its commitment to adhere to future Metro Nashville regulations for data centers.
The Nashville NAACP recently hosted a community town hall at Lee Chapel AME Church to discuss Fisk University's master plan, which proposes the potential development of a data center on university-owned land. Fisk University President Dr. Agenia Clark addressed community questions regarding environmental studies, water, energy consumption, and the size of the proposed facility. Clark clarified that Fisk is in the preliminary stages of planning and has not yet entered into any partnership conversations for the data center's development or determined its specific use.
Dr. Clark highlighted the diversity of data center functionalities and their role in supporting the university's strong STEM programs. She stated that environmental impact studies would be conducted once a clearer picture of the facility emerges, noting ongoing technological advancements in cooling systems and power sources designed to mitigate pollution. The proposed facility is envisioned as a 30-megawatt data center within the Innovation Center.
Fisk University committed to complying with all regulations established by Metro Nashville, particularly regarding the parameters for data center operations within the metro district, which are still under review by the Metro Council and Metro Planning. State Senator Charlane Oliver, State Representative Harold M. Love Jr., and Metro Nashville Council Member Brandon Taylor were among the attendees. The Nashville NAACP plans to host two additional town halls on the topic.