Nashville Zoo Zoning Appeal Targets DC BLOX Data Center Project

The Nashville Zoo filed a zoning appeal against DC BLOX, challenging permits for a proposed data center located just 50 yards from the zoo. Opposition groups have gathered more than 331,000 signatures on a petition to block the project. Country music star Brad Paisley joined the effort by calling the development an absolute nightmare scenario in a social media post.

Zoo challenges permits for proposed facility near its grounds amid growing opposition.

DC BLOX plans to construct the facility on land that previously housed another data center. The developer stated the new site would not operate as an AI factory and would avoid placing additional strain on local resources. Metro officials scheduled a planning commission hearing for June 11th to consider Bill BL2026-1391, which aims to ban hyperscale data centers exceeding 500,000 square feet.

The proposed DC BLOX facility would draw an estimated 50 megawatts of power from the local electrical grid. The developer intends to use closed-loop or waterless cooling systems for thermal management. Nashville is considering some of the strictest data center regulations in major US cities, requiring public hearings for facilities between 100,000 and 500,000 square feet.

Proposed buffer zones under the new rules would range from 100 to 500 feet depending on facility size. The exact future use of the DC BLOX building remains unconfirmed by company representatives. Officials could not verify whether artificial intelligence firms would serve as primary customers for the space.

Nashville's regulatory approach targets infrastructure that consumes significant grid capacity and requires specialized cooling. The city aims to enforce buffer zones and public oversight before approving large-scale construction projects. DC BLOX faces a planning commission review on June 11th regarding its zoning permits.