Nashville moves to seize land from $700M data center developer over zoo concerns

The Nashville Metro Council has approved Mayor Freddie O'Connell's plan to use eminent domain to block a data center project next to the city's zoo. The measure passed 27-5 last Wednesday, clearing the way for the city government to begin legal proceedings to force the purchase of the property for public use.

The 23-acre site was slated for a single-story data center spanning 69,220 square feet, developed by DC Blox at an estimated cost of more than $700 million. The location sits directly beside the 188-acre Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, which opened in 1990 and is one of Tennessee's top attractions, expecting two million annual visitors by 2027. The zoo also participates in over 50 conservation programs with institutions worldwide.

Zoo officials opposed the development, citing concerns about noise and light pollution. An online petition against the project had gathered more than 500,000 signatures by the end of July, with support from celebrities including Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, and Jack White.

DC Blox argued that the site at 648 Grassmere Park previously housed data center functions, so a new facility would not disrupt the neighborhood or the neighboring zoo. However, widely reported incidents across the U.S. have highlighted similar problems. Residents in a Michigan town have complained for about two years about around-the-clock noise from nearby data centers, comparing it to a vacuum running in a living room. Others report infrasound and high- and low-frequency vibrations.

Mayor O'Connell said he was pleased the council passed the legislation, giving the city the option to acquire the land for various public needs. He noted that the Finance and General Services departments are working closely on plans for the site. The city can now proceed with forced purchase, effectively eliminating the data center project.