N.J. Township Moves to Block AI Data Centers After Weeks of Public Backlash
A growing fight over artificial intelligence infrastructure in one New Jersey community has taken a dramatic turn after local officials announced plans to ban data centers across the township following weeks of public controversy and emotional community meetings.
Officials in Andover Township, located in Sussex County, now say they are preparing to reverse earlier zoning decisions connected to a possible AI-focused data center project that had divided residents and sparked heated public debate. Township leaders confirmed they will consider repealing two previously approved ordinances and introduce a township-wide prohibition on data centers during a special committee meeting.
The decision comes after mounting pressure from residents who strongly opposed the idea of turning a former airport property into a large-scale data center site. Many people living in the area argued the project could permanently change the character of the rural community while increasing noise, electricity demand, and water usage.
Mayor Thomas Walsh Jr. said township officials recognized the growing tension inside the community and believed moving away from the proposal was the best path forward. According to Walsh, no financial benefit was worth creating deep divisions among residents.
The possible development had been viewed by some township officials as a major economic opportunity. Earlier estimates suggested the facility could have generated between $4.5 million and $5.2 million annually through a payment in lieu of taxes agreement, commonly known as a PILOT agreement. Officials said that amount could have covered nearly one-third of the township’s yearly budget.
The proposed project was connected to a roughly 97-acre property on Stickles Pond Road near Route 206. The land previously housed Newton Airport before it shut down in 2013. Afterward, the property was reportedly used as a junkyard and has remained mostly undeveloped despite being zoned for industrial and commercial use.
Although no official site application for a data center was submitted to the township land use board, state business records show a company named Andover HPC Development registered in New Jersey in late 2025 using the property address. The company reportedly stated it was formed to develop high-performance computing data centers.
Public concern intensified earlier this year after township officials approved zoning changes connected to redevelopment in the area. One ordinance allowed data centers within the redevelopment zone, while another raised the permitted building height limit to 65 feet. Residents packed local meetings in response, arguing they were not given enough transparency about what could eventually be built on the property.
The debate reached a boiling point during a township committee meeting on May 7. Video recordings shared by attendees showed police officers physically removing a man who spoke against the proposed project during the public session. The incident quickly spread online and added to criticism surrounding how the issue was being handled.
Deputy Mayor Krista Gilchrist later defended the township police department, saying officers were being unfairly criticized despite working to maintain order during a tense meeting. Township leaders also stated that some officials and their families had received threats during the controversy.
Community groups opposing the potential data center welcomed the township’s latest announcement but said concerns about transparency still remain. Residents are expected to continue attending upcoming meetings to ensure the ordinances are formally repealed and the proposed ban is officially approved.
The situation in Andover Township reflects a larger trend developing across New Jersey and other parts of the United States as artificial intelligence infrastructure rapidly expands. AI data centers have become increasingly controversial because they require enormous amounts of electricity and water to operate. Critics in multiple communities have warned that the facilities can place heavy pressure on local power systems, increase utility costs, and create constant noise from cooling equipment and backup generators.
Similar disputes have already emerged in other New Jersey communities, including Vineland and Kenilworth, where large-scale data center projects are either planned or under construction.
As demand for artificial intelligence technology continues to rise nationwide, local governments are increasingly being forced to balance economic development opportunities with growing public concerns about environmental impact, infrastructure strain, and quality of life.
Sources
New Jersey municipal meeting records
Official statements from Andover Township officials
New Jersey state business registration records
Public comments and statements from Sussex Visibility Brigade
