Nashville’s data center eminent domain fight has moved from protest to a possible property acquisition: Metro Council voted 27-5 to authorize the city to negotiate for, or pursue eminent domain over, the site DC Blox bought near the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. The vote gives Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s administration a route to try to acquire the land for public use. It does not transfer the property to Metro or cancel the developer’s project.
The Atlanta-based developer plans a one-story, 69,220-square-foot data center on the 23-acre South Nashville parcel, with construction expected to cost more than $700 million, according to CoStar News. Data centers are facilities packed with servers and supporting equipment that need substantial electricity, cooling and network connections to run online services. For the machinery behind the label, see how a data center works.
O’Connell said the legislation gives Metro “the option to acquire property next to the zoo for a number of public needs” and that the city’s Finance and General Services departments were planning for the site. WKRN reported that supporters have suggested Metro offices and training space as possible uses, though the mayor has not announced a final plan.
Can Nashville take the data center land near the zoo?
It can begin the process, but it has not completed a taking. WKRN reported that the council’s action authorizes Metro to negotiate with DC Blox or pursue eminent domain. Under the process described by Tom’s Hardware, the parties would first seek to agree on a fair price; a judge or jury could determine compensation if they cannot, and DC Blox could challenge an eminent-domain claim.
DC Blox bought the property for $23 million, according to Davidson County Register of Deeds records cited by WKRN. That figure is not a settled acquisition price. WKRN also reported that opponents of the council measure estimated a purchase could cost more than $37 million.
Why did the zoo oppose the project?
Nashville Zoo officials and local opponents have raised concerns that construction and operations could bring noise, light and other disruptions near animal habitats. CoStar reported that zoo officials also cited potential effects on the surrounding environment and resources including electric power. The zoo’s petition against the project had passed 500,000 signatures by late July, according to CoStar and Tom’s Hardware.
DC Blox has disputed the premise that a new facility would impose new local burdens. The company said the parcel, which currently has older office buildings, had previously supported data-center functions. CoStar reported that a company spokesperson had no update after the council vote.
The property dispute arrives alongside wider local restrictions. CoStar reported that Metro Council approved zoning-related data-center restrictions in late July and put a moratorium on new permit approvals in place through Dec. 1. Those actions are separate from the proposed acquisition, which now depends on negotiations or a contested legal process.
This story draws on original reporting from Tom's Hardware.
