Data center wars erupt across NJ, as Andover backtracks on OK'ing massive AI facilities

Andover Township, New Jersey, is moving to ban data centers after a contentious public meeting where local officials faced overwhelming community backlash, including a physical altercation between police and a resident. Mayor Thomas Walsh and Deputy Mayor Krista Gilchrist acknowledged the deep division the proposed data center project, planned for the 97-acre former Jump airport site, had caused, stating that no financial gain was worth "tearing a town at its seams." The officials had initially seen the project as an opportunity for less intensive development, potentially generating up to $5 million annually. The grassroots group Sussex Visibility Brigade claimed credit for influencing the township's decision, asserting that public pressure and an "impending lawsuit" forced officials to reconsider. The group criticized the township for not acknowledging mistakes or promising future transparency. This situation in Andover reflects a growing trend across New Jersey, with residents increasingly concerned about the environmental impact and utility strain from data centers. A report by the New Jersey Policy Perspective highlighted data centers as a "main driver" for a 20% jump in electric bills. In response, the Andover Township Committee will consider two ordinances at an upcoming special meeting: one to repeal data centers as a permitted use on the former Newton Airport property, and another to ban data centers throughout the entire township. This follows similar successful opposition efforts, such as in New Brunswick, where the city council removed data centers as a possible redevelopment use, and in other communities like Pemberton, Millville, and Harrison Township, which have either enacted or proposed bans.