Image Credit: Nashville Zoo / Facebook
Tennessee Conservative News [By Olivia Lupia] –
As the Metro Nashville government continues to grapple with legislation creating regulations and moratoriums, data center developer DC Blox is potentially one step closer to beginning a massive project on land abutting the Nashville Zoo, finalizing the $23 million purchase of the property at the end of last week.
While the 23.49-acre property may now be under new ownership, DC Blox still faces an array of legal and bureaucratic hurdles before the project is official, including the need for permits and three proposals set for a vote by the Metro Council this evening.
Among those proposals is Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s bid to take the property by force through eminent domain and a temporary moratorium on new data centers, which was originally proposed but for 90 days but has now been extended to December should it pass.
The third ordinance would create new stringent regulations on where data centers in Nashville could be built along with implementing noise, water, and other restrictions on the centers which would take effect immediately. If DC Blox does not have the proper permits before the vote, the new rules could prevent the company from building the proposed data center on the site.
However, a state law that took effect last year could complicate matters as it allows a property owner to lock in development rights on the day they submit a “substantially compliant” permit application and not have to wait until the permit is fully approved. DC Blox could argue that if the company submits its permits, including a site plan, before the local regulations take effect, it should be allowed to build under the rules that were in place at the time of submission.
The law has never been tested in such a situation, so any litigation under this provision would be a first for the state. And neither residents or zoo officials are giving up just yet.
“It’s not done until they break ground, and that’s a long ways away from here,” said Drew Small, a community member who has performed extensive research on the development process.
Small also believes public outcry will continue play a large role in the eventual outcome of the development, saying, “When a lot of people start paying attention to what is going on and asking your elected officials to move appropriately, public pressure can be an incredibly powerful tool for change.”
Nashville Zoo spokesperson Leah Trice said in an emailed statement, “Despite the news about DC Blox closing on the property, we remain vigilant in ensuring the health and well-being of the Zoo and our surrounding community. There has not been any information that ensures us that there are no risks to the vulnerable species in our care long-term.”
She added that the zoo is continuing to ask for public support of Metro Council’s regulation legislation and revealed the zoo’s attorney has submitted a zoning appeal as Metro stormwater permit documents show the site’s stormwater drainage outfalls flow directly onto degrading stormwater infrastructure located on zoo property. That appeal will have a first reading before the council on Aug. 20.
Meanwhile, according to attorney for DC Blox Doug Sloan, zoo leadership was notified prior to the property sale’s closing, and the company has already filed a building permit application as the new owners of the property. DC Blox also maintains the facility would not function as an AI data center and that the company has committed to “environmental stewardship” and other measures to minimize noise, light, and power-usage from the center.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
