150,000 people sign petition opposing proposed data center next to Nashville Zoo
A proposed 69,220-square-foot data center by DC Blox next to the Nashville Zoo is facing significant opposition. Over 150,000 people have signed a petition, and Mayor Freddie O'Connell has voiced concerns about the project's impact. The Nashville Zoo CEO Rick Schwartz is particularly worried about potential noise, light, water, and energy pollution affecting sensitive animal species.
A proposed 69,220-square-foot data center by Georgia-based DC Blox, planned for 648 Grassmere Park directly next to the Nashville Zoo, is encountering strong public and official pushback. More than 150,000 people have signed a petition opposing the project, and Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has expressed concerns about the proposal.
Nashville Zoo President and CEO Rick Schwartz stated that while he is not against data centers generally, their location should not be adjacent to the community's top attraction. He highlighted potential impacts on sensitive species, such as clouded leopards and okapi, due to noise, light, water, and energy demands from the facility, which could disrupt their life cycles. Neighbor Sarah Reiff echoed these concerns, fearing negative impacts on her family.
The project remains in its early stages; the 23.5-acre property is currently owned by MarketStreet Enterprises and has not yet been sold. The grading permit application is still under review by Metro Nashville. DC Blox has not publicly released details about the facility's expected energy use, water demand, or overall investment, and did not respond to Fox 17 News inquiries.
In related developments, Metro Nashville and its council are considering a new bill that would limit where data centers can be built, specifically restricting them near schools, churches, and zoos. This bill has already passed its first reading.