A proposed data center adjacent to the Nashville Zoo is facing significant opposition from local residents, elected officials, and country music artist Brad Paisley. Atlanta-based DC Blox plans to construct a 69,000-square-foot facility on a 23.5-acre site, which would require at least 50 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 30,000 to 50,000 homes. The Nashville Zoo has expressed concerns that the development could negatively impact animals, visitors, and nearby residents.
The zoo stated, "At Nashville Zoo, our top priority is to protect our precious animals and their environment. We are equally committed to the health and safety of our visitors, staff and neighbors living nearby." The zoo is actively opposing the project and has called for public support.
Brad Paisley has publicly endorsed the zoo's opposition, describing the proposed data center as an "absolute nightmare scenario" and an "enormous monstrosity." His comments have contributed to a surge in a petition against the project, which has gathered over 400,000 signatures.
In response to the growing opposition, the Metro Council of Nashville advanced an ordinance on June 9 to impose a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and processing of permits for data centers in Davidson County. Mayor Freddie O’Connell has ordered a review of data center developments in the city, emphasizing the need to consider their potential negative impacts. Additionally, Councilmember Rollin Horton has proposed legislation to prohibit large data center projects and establish new development standards.
Senator Marsha Blackburn has also weighed in, stating that while data centers are important for Tennessee's economic growth, careful consideration must be given to their placement, particularly near the Nashville Zoo, which serves as an educational resource and economic engine for the community. The debate intensified at a recent Metropolitan Planning Commission meeting, where over 150 residents voiced their opposition to the proposed developments and called for stricter zoning regulations.