Metro Council Advances Temporary Data Center Moratorium Amid Nashville Zoo Controversy
The zoo says the project could expand into a much larger campus and threaten sensitive species, while more than 360,000 people have signed a petition.
- On Tuesday, Metro Council advanced a temporary moratorium on new data center developments across Davidson County, following the Nashville Zoo's opposition to a proposed 69,220-square-foot facility in the Grassmere Business Park.
- The Nashville Zoo opposes the proposed data center by DC Blox, citing threats to its clouded leopard breeding program and endangered Nashville crayfish research conducted in Mill Creek tributaries on zoo property.
- More than 350,000 people have signed a petition opposing the project, while zoo head veterinarian Dr. Heather Schwartz warned that constant mechanical noise and vibrations running 24/7 would "definitely be disruptive to their well-being."
- The moratorium passed its first reading with a 26-1 vote on Tuesday, aiming to pause approvals until November while allowing new zoning rules, though Councilmember Delishia Porterfield dissented.
- DC Blox stated it is seeking community input and committed to using waterless cooling designs, while expansion plans include a second three-story building alongside the initial 69,000-square-foot facility.
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Tennessee communities are blocking data centers. Nashville could be next.
Tennessee communities are passing temporary bans on new data centers amid a construction boom and widespread backlash. Since the fall, nine cities and counties have passed moratoriums on construction, and five were approved just in the past few weeks. At least three more communities including Knoxville and Nashville have proposals in the works after developments this week. Proponents argue that moratoriums will allow time to study local impac…
Nashville Zoo leads fight against mega AI data center — over 375,000 sign petition against 69,000 square foot building set to overlook animal habitats
Nashville Zoo collects 375k signatures against a proposed data center, citing potential animal welfare and conservation risks.
Metro Council advances temporary data center moratorium amid Nashville Zoo controversy
The council voted 26-1 on first reading to advance a 90-day moratorium on new data center permits while lawmakers consider broader legislation that would regulate where the facilities can be built.
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