Nashville Uses Eminent Domain to Halt Data Center Development Near Zoo
The Nashville Metro Council has approved Mayor Freddie O’Connell's plan to use eminent domain to block the construction of a 23-acre data center near the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. The council's decision, passed by a 27-5 vote, allows the city to initiate legal proceedings to acquire the property from developer DC Blox. The proposed data center, estimated to cost over $700 million, faced opposition from zoo officials and the public due to concerns about noise and light pollution affecting the zoo's environment. An online petition against the development garnered over 500,000 signatures, with support from notable figures like Brad Paisley and Sheryl Crow. 
