Nashville uses eminent domain to block data center near zoo

In a recent vote, Nashville's Metro Council approved Mayor Freddie O’Connell's plan to utilize eminent domain to obstruct a proposed 23-acre data center site located adjacent to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Following the 27-5 council approval, the city can now initiate the legal process to seize the property. Real estate platform CoStar reported the developer, DC Blox, intended to construct a 69,220-square-foot single-story data center on the site, estimated to cost over $700 million.

The Nashville Zoo, established in 1990 and among Tennessee's top attractions, anticipated receiving two million visitors annually by 2027. The zoo also collaborates on over 50 international conservation programs. Zoo officials protested the development, citing concerns over noise, light pollution, and potential adverse effects on animal habitats.

Despite DC Blox arguing that the existing 648 Grassmere Park space had previously served a similar function, zoo conservationists and celebrity supporters, including Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, and Jack White, vehemently opposed the proposal. While some data centers have reportedly caused noise and light pollution issues in the U.S., the Nashville data center's impact remains uncertain.

The city council vote empowers the local government to negotiate with DC Blox for the property's acquisition, with the fair market value determined through negotiation or a judge's decision if no agreement is reached. Concerns persist that the government might misuse eminent domain for data center projects, a notion echoed by Georgia Power's acquisition of residential properties for power grid expansion.

Nonetheless, Nashville's elected officials demonstrated that this power can also be harnessed to prevent data center projects, underscored by the city council's decision.