Zero Vision?

Data Centers

During last night’s Metro Council meeting, members officially approved new data center regulations and an amended temporary moratorium that pauses new data center permits until December 1.

Moratorium Sponsor Courtney Johnston said the council plans to introduce additional regulations after reviewing data center reports required under Executive Order 59, which are due August 15. The delay gives lawmakers time to evaluate the impacts, draft new rules, and pass legislation before new projects can move forward.

The council also advanced the condemnation legislation on its second reading, allowing Metro to continue pursuing acquisition of the 648 Grassmere Park property near the Nashville Zoo, where DC Blox has proposed a data center.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s eminent domain legislation passed with little discussion but will be re-referred to committee for further debate before the final vote.

Pedestrian Deaths

In contrast, the council took a chunk of time to squabble over a non-binding resolution regarding Vision Zero.

Vision Zero is a traffic safety initiative aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries through safer street design, better enforcement, and data-driven improvements. Despite the city’s fixation on the vision over the last six years, the budget increases and initiatives don’t seem to be translating to pedestrian safety—prompting renewed calls for the city to accelerate safety measures.

Last night, council approved a resolution urging NDOT and Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s administration to accelerate Vision Zero efforts after a debate over whether to delay the measure until new leadership is hired. Sponsor Councilmember Jacob Kupin initially requested the deferral to give the incoming NDOT director and Vision Zero program manager time to get up to speed, but several members argued Nashville does not have time to wait.

“We have constituents who are dying every day," said Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda, warning that people’s lives are at risk while they wait for signs to be translated for non-English-speaking communities.

“Departments will defer things into oblivion,” said Councilmember Erin Evans. “How many more people have to die or be hurt before they do something?” asked Councilmember Russ Bradford.

Vision Zero, or Zero Vision?

Though the legislation was passed, it has no teeth. And despite years of Vision Zero investments—from traffic-calming projects to pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades—the legislation does not spell out which interventions are most effective or how Metro will determine whether its efforts are reducing fatalities.