Full Breakdown
Nashville Zoo Leads Opposition to Adjacent DC BLOX Data Center
6/6/2026, 11:30:44 PM
Core Conflict: Proposed 69,000-sq-ft Data Center Near Zoo
DC BLOX, a Georgia-based digital-infrastructure firm, has applied to build a single-story, 69,000-square-foot data center on a 23.5-acre parcel at 648 Grassmere Park, directly beside the Nashville Zoo’s southern boundary. The zoo, home to roughly 3,000–3,700 animals representing more than 350 species, warns that the facility’s noise, artificial light, and potential water and electricity demands could disrupt breeding programs for vulnerable species such as clouded leopards, Andean bears and Sumatran tigers.
Background: Data-Center Expansion and Local Regulatory Gaps
Nationwide demand for AI-driven computing has spurred rapid data-center construction. Tennessee already hosts 60 facilities, and the Tennessee Valley Authority projects a doubling of capacity by 2030. Nashville’s municipal code lacks specific zoning rules for data centers, prompting councilmember Courtney Johnston to describe DC BLOX’s approach as “operated in bad faith” and “rushed.” In response, the Metro Council is considering an ordinance that would ban hyperscale centers over 500,000 sq ft, limit power use above 100 MW, and impose distance buffers from schools, churches and the zoo.
Key Stakeholders
- Rick Schwartz – President & CEO, Nashville Zoo
- Courtney Johnston – Metro Council member representing the zoo district
- Mayor Freddie O’Connell – Nashville mayor, legal department reviewing permits
- Councilmember Rollin Horton – Sponsor of the data-center ordinance
- Councilmember Sean Parker – District 5 member, noted lack of legislative trigger for a vote
- DC BLOX – Developer of the proposed facility
Timeline of Actions
- Early June (Wednesday) – Zoo launches Change.org petition; 37,000 signatures reported by Newsweek, 150,000–180,000 signatures reported by local outlets within 24 hours.
- Friday – Zoo CEO Rick Schwartz gives phone interview; councilmember Johnston files zoning appeal; mayor’s legal team begins review.
- Tuesday (following week) – Council scheduled to vote on a data-center moratorium.
- May 2026 – Ordinance introduced, passes first reading; two additional votes and planning-commission approvals pending.
Data & Statistics
- Proposed building: 69,000 sq ft (? size of a football field with end zones).
- Site area: 23.5 acres.
- Zoo visitation: 1.4 million guests in 2025.
- Animal inventory: >3,000 animals, >350 species.
- Petition signatures: 140,000–180,000 (various reports).
- State law (2025) requires data-center developers to fund all infrastructure upgrades.
Official Statements & Responses
The Nashville Zoo stresses that artificial light and mechanical noise could interfere with the photo-periods and breeding cycles of its “signature” clouded leopard program, which has produced the world’s highest number of births. Councilmember Johnston criticized DC BLOX for limited outreach and alleged premature permit filings. Mayor O’Connell expressed “concern” and noted that the legal department is examining an “unusual” permit application submitted by a non-owner. DC BLOX replied that the project will use closed-loop or waterless cooling, pay for all power and any new utility infrastructure, and maintain noise levels within measurable limits, asserting the site previously housed a data center.
Criticism & Opposition
Local residents, including longtime zoo visitor Sara Riep, argue the zoo is a community cornerstone and that the data center would degrade the neighborhood’s character. Councilmember Rollin Horton highlighted potential air-pollution and noise impacts, stating the facility would also affect “human neighbors.” Critics note the lack of independent environmental impact assessments and question the developer’s claim that the center will not be an “AI factory.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
DC BLOX declined to disclose projected energy consumption, water demand, or whether AI customers will occupy the facility. A zoo spokesperson indicated uncertainty about the data center’s intended use, while city officials have not received a detailed environmental review. The legal basis for the zoning appeal remains unclear, and the ordinance’s final adoption timeline is pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are vehemently opposed to having a data center so close to animals,” — Rick Schwartz, Nashville Zoo President & CEO
- “In my opinion, they’ve operated in bad faith, and they’re trying to rush something that they believe Nashville can’t regulate at the moment,” — Courtney Johnston, Metro Council member
- “What I know about that data center definitely has me concerned,” — Mayor Freddie O’Connell
- “The proximity of the DC Blox data center to the habitats of the animals in our care, including clouded leopards, our signature conservation species is especially concerning.” — Nashville Zoo statement (Change.org petition)
- “We commit to using closed-loop or waterless cooling designs to minimize ongoing water use,” — DC BLOX spokesperson
What’s Next
The Metro Council will vote on the moratorium and continue deliberations on the ordinance’s distance buffers. The legal department’s permit review and any required environmental assessments will determine whether the project proceeds. Community organizers plan to sustain petition momentum while the city finalizes zoning and regulatory frameworks for future data-center proposals.
