The Eminent Domain Jackpot?
🐅 Zoo date center: the real estate flip that could tick everyone off · New tool shows what contributed to your property tax bill increase · Blackburn staffers allege they were pressured to violate campaign finance and ethics laws · Much more!
Good afternoon, everyone. Zoo date center: the real estate flip that could tick everyone off... New tool shows what contributed to your property tax bill increase: the reappraisal or the rate hike... Current and former Blackburn staffers allege they were pressured to violate campaign finance and ethics laws... And much more!
Property Tax Calculator Use our handy new tool to see what contributed to your property tax bill increase: the reappraisal or the rate hike. (Try It Out)
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Is flipping Nashville property back? Ask DC Blox.
From Megan Podsiedlik
The Deal DC Blox recently finalized its purchase of the 23.49-acre property at 648 Grassmere Park last week, paying $23 million to MarketStreet Enterprises despite months of public opposition to its proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo. The acquisition came as Metro officials continue advancing efforts to stop the project.
The Eminent Domain Jackpot? According to reports, the property is currently appraised at more than $36 million. Metro’s eminent domain process requires it to pay “just compensation,” which is generally based on the property’s fair market value at the time of the taking. In other words, DC Blox’s recent purchase could either become a long court battle or a very nice pay day depending on what Metro offers if it goes forward with its legislation to acquire the land. That said, fair market value is not necessarily the same as the county tax appraisal or the owner’s purchase price.
O’Connell’s Gamble This discussion will take center stage during tonight’s Metro Council meeting, where Mayor Freddie O'Connell's condemnation legislation is scheduled for its second reading. Members are also considering proposals to ban hyperscale data centers and set guardrails for new data center construction alongside legislation that would place a temporary freeze on data center permitting. However, those regulations may have little effect on the Grassmere Park project itself.
Too Late? Because DC Blox submitted permit applications before the proposed rules were adopted, the company argues its project is protected under Tennessee's vested rights doctrine. If the pending administrative appeals are resolved in DC Blox's favor and the vested-rights claim is upheld, the proposed development would likely not be subject to the new land-use restrictions, even if Metro adopts them for future projects.
You can follow along with the Pamphleteer’s user-friendly Council Watch Agenda starting at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
✹ PROPERTY TAX CALCULATOR
Use our handy new tool to see what contributed to your property tax bill increase: the reappraisal or the rate hike. (Try It Out)
HEADLINES
- 🕶 Recordings from inside Blackburn's office allege pressure to ‘break the law.’ NewsChannel 5 released recordings from inside Senator Marsha Blackburn's office in which current and former staffers allege they were pressured to violate campaign finance and ethics laws. Much of the criticism in the recordings is directed toward longtime Blackburn political strategist Ward Baker, with the report raising new questions as Blackburn seeks to become governor. (NC5)
- ⛏ Crypto miner hires prominent Nashville-based lobbyist as it pivots to AI. Cryptocurrency mining company Hut 8 has hired prominent Nashville lobbyist Baylor Swindell as it shifts its strategy toward building AI-focused data centers across the TVA region. The move reflects the rapid industry transition from cryptocurrency mining to powering artificial intelligence infrastructure, which requires massive amounts of electricity. (Post)
- ⚡️ Data center debate grows in North Nashville. As a new data center nears completion on Brick Church Pike, nearby residents are voicing concerns about noise, water use, and the facility's long-term impact on surrounding neighborhoods. The project has become the latest flashpoint in Nashville's broader debate over how data centers should be regulated as demand for AI computing accelerates. (NC5)
- 🎵 Music City Center gets new president. Music City Center CEO Charles Starks has promoted longtime executive Anthony Lopez to serve as the convention center's new president, overseeing day-to-day operations while Starks continues as CEO. The leadership change comes as the convention center pursues a long-discussed expansion to accommodate growing convention demand and Nashville's booming tourism industry. (Post)
DEVELOPMENT
- Mother's Ruin lands $1.1M permit for 12S location (NBJ)
- Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms is shutting down (WSMV)
- Tennessee Education Association building listed for sale (Post)
✹ METRO COUNCIL WATCH
New Council Watch Features We've added additional features to Council Watch. In addition to who's funding your council member, you can now see how they vote and who they vote with most frequently. (Take a Look)
THINGS TO DO
View our calendar for the week here.
📅 Visit our On The Radar list to find upcoming events around Nashville.
🎧 On Spotify: Pamphleteer's Picks, a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week.
👨🏻🌾 Check out our Nashville farmer's market guide.
TONIGHT
🪕 The Borrowed Mules @ Station Inn, 8p, $20, Info
🪕 Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder @ Ryman Auditorium, 7:30p, Info
🎸 Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 6p, $69+, Info
🎸 Twang Tuesday @ Acme Feed & Seed, 7p, Free, Info
🎸 Honky Tonk Tuesday @ Eastside Bowl, 8p, $10, Info
+ two-step lessons @ 7p, The Cowpokes @ 8p
📰 Check out the full newsletter archive here.
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Today's newsletter is brought to you by Davis Hunt, Megan Podsiedlik, and Camelia Brennan.