government
Nashville mayor pushing to acquire nearly 24 acres near zoo over proposed data center
By Diana Rocco at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 30, 2026
· 2 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has filed condemnation legislation that would allow the city to acquire a 23.5-acre site near the Nashville Zoo through eminent domain, pushing back against Atlanta-based DC Blox’s plans to build a data center on the property.O’Connell s...
Key takeaway (WSMV) - Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has filed condemnation legislation that would allow the city to acquire a 23.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The mayor's push to acquire the 23.5-acre site near the Nashville Zoo through eminent domain raises questions about the city's long-term planning and use of public funds. With the site appraised at over $36 million, the potential cost to taxpayers is significant. The fact that more than half a million signatures have been collected opposing the data center suggests that the community is strongly opposed to the project, but it remains to be seen whether the city's proposed use of the site will align with the public's expectations. Councilwoman Joy Styles' concerns about the legal basis for using eminent domain without a defined public purpose are also noteworthy, as they highlight the potential for costly litigation and the need for a clear plan for the site's use. As the council considers a moratorium on data center construction, residents will be watching to see how the city balances its desire to block the data center with its responsibility to use public funds wisely.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has filed condemnation legislation that would allow the city to acquire a 23.5-acre site near the Nashville Zoo through eminent domain, pushing back against Atlanta-based DC Blox’s plans to build a data center on the property.O’Connell s...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Diana Rocco at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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