Metro Nashville is moving forward with an effort to stop a proposed data center from being built next to the Nashville Zoo after Metro Council approved legislation giving the city the authority to acquire the property, WSMV reports.
The measure allows Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s administration to begin negotiating with DC Blox, the company that recently purchased the site for the sale of the land. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, Metro could pursue eminent domain to take ownership of the property.
According to the mayor’s office, the land could be repurposed for public needs such as office space, warehouses, training facilities, and other government operations.
The approval marks the latest step in the city’s ongoing push to prevent the development. In recent weeks, Metro Council approved Nashville’s first regulations governing data centers and also adopted a temporary pause on new data center construction through December while additional policies are considered.
DC Blox purchased the property for roughly $23 million last month. If Metro ultimately acquires the site, the city would be required to pay at least its appraised market value, estimated at about $37.4 million, using money from the city’s general fund.
The legislation gives Metro the authority to pursue the acquisition but does not require it. However, the mayor’s office has said it plans to continue moving forward with the process.
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