Courtney Johnston

Metro Council approved a bill allowing the city to use eminent domain for land near the Nashville Zoo that was purchased by DC Blox for $23 million. According to council member Courtney Johnston, this vote only reserves the possibility of action and could involve taxpayers spending at least $37 million if condemnation is pursued. The decision stems from ongoing concerns raised by the zoo and neighbors about data centers' impacts on health and noise levels.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell's attempt to use eminent domain to block a DC BLOX data center near the Nashville Zoo advanced after Metro Council approval. The project faces community opposition, new land-use regulations, and a temporary moratorium, but legal challenges and financial risks remain.

Metro Council authorized the city to acquire property for a data center near the Nashville Zoo using eminent domain, aiming to halt its construction. The legislation allows negotiations with DC Blox, but the city must pay market value and prove public need. Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office plans to proceed, despite concerns about costs and potential harm to the zoo.

Metro Council approved using eminent domain to acquire 23 acres near the Nashville Zoo from DC Blox, which had purchased the land for $23 million to build a data center. The city aims to use the property for offices, warehouse space, and employee training, with negotiations for the final price ongoing.

Nashville's Metro Council will vote on using eminent domain to block a data center near the Nashville Zoo and hold a public hearing on zoning changes for Vanderbilt University's 'innovation neighborhood.' The data center legislation has 14 sponsors and passed a second reading 27-3, while concerns about cost and legal challenges were raised.

Nashville Council member Courtney Johnston highlights that 44 traffic cases were dismissed or retired in court over three days due to insufficient Metro Legal attorneys. She criticizes the dismissal of serious offenses like speeding and texting while driving, arguing it wastes tax dollars and allows infractions to go unpunished.

Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston criticized the dismissal of three traffic citation dockets in Davidson County, stating the dismissals stem from Metro Legal no longer staffing the court sessions. Johnston argued the dismissals hinder Metro Nashville Police's traffic enforcement and contradict Nashville's Vision Zero initiative aimed at improving road safety. She urged Metro Legal and Judge Robin Kimbrough Hayes to resolve the issue to prevent further dismissals.

Nashville's Metro Council passed its first data center regulations, including a moratorium on new permits until December 1, in response to public opposition against DC BLOX projects near the Nashville Zoo and Fisk University. The legislation imposes restrictions on facility size, energy use, noise, and fossil fuel generation, while the city may explore eminent domain to block DC BLOX's proposed development.

The Nashville Metro Council will vote on three data center bills during its July 21, 2026 meeting, including a moratorium on new permits and zoning regulations. Amendments to the legislation, which received strong public support, may add requirements for notice, distance from schools, and restrictions on power generation. The council will also consider Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s bill using eminent domain to acquire a property near the Nashville Zoo for a data center project.

The Metro Board of Ethical Conduct found Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston violated two ethical rules by failing to disclose her volunteer board position with Music City Children’s Museum and by conduct that could create an appearance of undue influence. The board issued a warning instead of a more severe punishment after Johnston updated her disclosure and resigned from the museum board.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell plans to use eminent domain to block a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo, citing community and zoo supporter concerns. DC BLOX, the company behind the project, claims the facility will address community concerns and will proceed despite new restrictions. The Nashville Zoo supports the mayor's move, calling it a 'huge win' for families.

Metro Councilwoman Courtney Johnston received a written warning for two ethics violations related to undisclosed board membership and voting on a zoning change for a potential museum location. The Metro Board of Ethical Conduct found she failed to disclose her role on the Music City Children’s Museum board and deliberated on a zoning request tied to the museum's interests.

The Nashville Metro Planning Commission recommended two data center bills, one establishing zoning rules and another imposing a moratorium on new permits until regulations are set. The bills face community opposition, particularly regarding proposed data centers near the Nashville Zoo and Fisk University, and will undergo further council review in July.

Metro Council in Nashville is considering two proposals to stop a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo. Council Member Rollin Horton's zoning bill would restrict data center size, location, and operations, while Council Member Courtney Johnston's moratorium would pause all data center construction until new regulations are passed. The project by Atlanta-based DC Blox faces legal delays and potential regulatory changes.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell supports a temporary moratorium on large data centers while legislation is developed, aligning with Councilmember Courtney Johnston’s proposal. Two council bills—one for a moratorium and another for permanent zoning—remain pending. Activists criticize the mayor’s executive order as insufficient, arguing it lacks enforceable measures.

Tennessee communities are enacting moratoriums on new data centers amid construction booms and public backlash. Nashville's Metro Council is considering a temporary ban to update zoning laws, following protests against a zoo-adjacent project by DC BLOX, while the state promotes data center incentives.