Image Credit: Nashville Zoo
Tennessee Conservative News [By Olivia Lupia] –
A petition opposing a proposed data center on property adjacent to the Nashville Zoo reached 336,030 signatures as of Monday evening with zoo officials, residents, community activists, Metro officials, and even some national celebrities speaking against the facility as the debate about data center regulation continues to be a central focus in Tennessee.
DC Blox, a Georgia-based tech company which operates numerous data centers across Southeastern states, has filed permit applications for a 69,220 square foot facility, part of which would sit on property abutting the zoo parking lot. The plans sparked immediate backlash from residents and officials from all across the political spectrum and resulted in the launch of the petition and several other organized efforts by Nashville residents and zoo supporters.
Along with other concerns, Zoo CEO Rick Schwartz said the facility’s potential light and noise levels could pose serious threats to the zoo’s 3,000 animals. “We have some of the most delicate and rarest animals in the world, specifically our clouded leopard, which is our signature species. We’ve bred more than anyone else in the world. We just had our 50th baby born, and they’re very sensitive to mechanical noises and light infiltration,” Schwartz said.
He also stated that DC Blox has not engaged with the zoo directly in response to its concerns, including the zoo’s plans for expansion, and is encouraging the public to stay involved with the process before the city makes the final decisions on the permitting and regulations.
Schwartz’ call to action seems to be working as the number of petition signers keeps growing, especially as national media outlets are picking up the story and some big names like country singer Brad Paisley are using their influence to stand against the project.
Paisely called the proposal an “absolute nightmare scenario” in an Instagram reel, saying, “they don’t have the power to build this, they don’t have the water. It doesn’t belong there. It would be an enormous monstrosity, an absolute eye sore and detract in every way for not only that zoo, but also that area.”
He encouraged his fans to sign the petition and said to followers that the zoo, “is one of the sources of joy in this city. It’s one of the top zoos in the world. It is family memories. It is expanding itself. It’s got all of these plans to become even better as a resource for our city…They don’t have to do this here. Build them somewhere else, but let’s keep Nashville beautiful and as great an attraction as it’s always been.”
Residents concerned about potential noise impacts for their neighborhoods and zoo animals and demands the facility could place on water, power, and other infrastructure like stormwater systems are leading grassroots efforts to equip their neighbors with information and resources to stay engaged in the proceedings and make their voices heard.
Drew Small, who lives about 1.5 miles from the proposed site at Grassmere Park, spent part of the weekend going door-to-door armed with flyers and information packets to encourage his neighbors to learn more about the proposal and attend an upcoming public hearing. He also launched the website No New Data Centers which includes a tool allowing residents to see how close they are to the proposed development and created social media pages dedicated to sharing information about the project.
“We’re worried about noise. We’re worried about what it’s going to do to the zoo. The list just keeps going and going and going, so it’s hard to pick like one thing that we’re worried about. It’s all of it — it’s our creeks, it’s our breathing air, it’s our drinking water, it’s our electricity,” Small said. “We want [neighbors] to come and tell the Planning Commission. Two minutes at the microphone goes a really long way.”
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has also expressed concerns over the proposal, saying the Metro Law Department is reviewing the issue. “It looks like there are some scenarios with recent changes in state law that allow for vesting of property rights to occur earlier in the applicants’ process,” O’Connell said. “This one seems particularly unusual in that a non-owner of the property seems to be applying for a building permit.”
The Metro Council is also weighing an ordinance which would place stringent regulations on data centers, limiting new construction and requiring the existing 20+ facilities to follow environmental and other zoning rules.
DC Blox has issued a statement promising the facility “will not be an AI factory placing a burden on local resources” and committing to use “closed loop or waterless cooling designs to minimize ongoing water use” and “paying for all power used as well as any new energy infrastructure required to support our project.”
“DC BLOX understands and appreciates the concerns that have been raised about our newly proposed data center in Nashville near the zoo. We look forward to working with local officials, community members, and the Nashville Zoo to minimize local impacts and to assure that there will be no health risks to residents and animals,” the company stated.
A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled before the Metro Planning Commission at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 11. Those in Davidson County with thoughts on the issue may attend and speak during the public comment period.
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.
