Andover Township Faces Legal Threat Over Proposed AI Data Center Development
In Andover Township, New Jersey, a proposed data center project is causing significant tension among local residents. The controversy revolves around two ordinances passed by the township committee, which some residents claim were illegally designed to facilitate the development of a data center on the site of the former Newton Airport. Mayor Thomas Walsh Jr. has stated that the township has been transparent about the potential project, which could generate millions in annual tax revenue. However, residents argue that the zoning changes were made to benefit a specific developer, Andover HPC Development, without proper public input. The proposed data center, which has not yet been formally applied for, is part of a broader trend of AI data centers that have faced opposition due to their environmental impact, including high electricity and water usage.