Brad Paisley Calls Proposed Data Center Near Nashville Zoo an ‘Absolute Nightmare,’ Urges Fans to Sign Petition
“This can’t happen,” Paisley urged.
Brad Paisley; Photos via Instagram
Brad Paisley is urging his fans to sign a petition opposing the construction of a massive data center that is proposed to be built just 50 yards from the Nashville Zoo.
In a social media video, the country superstar called it “an absolute nightmare scenario” and urged, “this can’t happen” as he directed people to sign a petition which has now garnered over 358,000 signatures.
“By now you’ve probably heard about the proposed data center that they want to build next to the Nashville Zoo which is an absolute nightmare scenario,” Paisley said. “First of all, they don’t have the power to build this, they don’t have the water. It doesn’t belong there. It would be an enormous monstrosity, an absolute eye sore and detract in every way for not only that zoo, but also that area.”
He continued, “This Zoo is one of the sources of joy in this city. It’s one of the top zoos in the world. It is family memories. It is expanding itself. It’s got all of these plans to become even better as a resource for our city. So let’s sign the petition if you agree. And everyone I’ve talked to does. Sign the petition. Let’s stop it. They don’t have to do this here. Build them somewhere else, but let’s keep Nashville beautiful and as great an attraction as it’s always been.”
In a new update, The Nashville Zoo revealed that it has uncovered new information suggesting that the proposed data center is planned to be much larger than they initially revealed.
“Uncovered planning documents reference a second building that could exceed 202,000 square feet (3x larger than the first) with a 40-megawatt capacity, along with an electrical substation. Combined, that’s up to 50 megawatts of power capacity, enough to power up to 50,000 homes,” the update reads.
Due to these concerns, Nashville Zoo has initiated formal legal action. Land Use Attorney and former Metro Codes Director Bill Herbert has submitted a zoning appeal in an effort to challenge and overturn the permits that were approved for the project.
The Nashville Zoo is encouraging local residents to continue outreach to Metro Nashville Council Members and Mayor O’Connell, asking them to support BL2026-1391.
The zoo is also asking the public to attend the Planning Commission Public Hearing on Thursday, June 11 at 4 p.m. at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way. At the meeting, they are asking residents to speak in support of Council Member Rollin Horton’s BL2026-1391.
“We need to do everything we can to stop this data center from being built next to Nashville Zoo. Why does a project of this scale need to be located directly adjacent to some of the most endangered animals in the world? Until those questions are fully answered and the impacts are understood, we must continue speaking up. The potential consequences are too significant, and any damage could be irreversible,” the latest update concluded.
The Nashville Zoo already ranks as the 9th largest zoo in the United States by land area. It also stands as one of Tennessee’s top tourist destinations.
To view and sign the petition, click HERE.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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