Metro Council to vote on data center regulations as DC Blox site plans remain up in the air
Nashville's Metro Council is scheduled to hold a third and final vote tonight on a proposed data center moratorium and new zoning regulations. This coincides with community opposition to a DC Blox data center project near the Nashville Zoo, prompting the company to reportedly alter its online site plans. The council will also consider eminent domain legislation.
Nashville's Metro Council is preparing for a pivotal third and final vote tonight on proposed data center regulations, including a temporary moratorium and new zoning classifications. These regulations aim to categorize data centers by size and power usage, imposing restrictions on where they can be built within the city. Concurrently, legislation regarding eminent domain is also on the agenda for its second reading and vote.
At the heart of the debate is DC Blox, a company that had previously outlined plans for a data center adjacent to the Nashville Zoo. NewsChannel 5's Megan Sparano reported that DC Blox's website recently updated its project details, now listing only one 69,000 square foot building instead of the original two buildings totaling 15 megawatts. This change follows a Metro Council meeting where over 200 community members voiced strong opposition to the project.
DC Blox confirmed the adjustments, stating they are "working through the site and scope of this project" in response to community feedback. The company has not confirmed whether it has purchased the land next to the zoo. Meanwhile, another data center development is reportedly taking shape in North Nashville.