Andover Township Rescinds Data Center Ordinance After Resident Opposition and Developer Lawsuit
Andover Township officials first adopted and then rescinded an ordinance establishing standards for a proposed data center on about 800 acres near Stickles Pond Road and Route 206. National Land Developers LLC sued the township after the reversal, but the developer later asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed, and the case was dismissed.
Andover Township’s all-Republican committee adopted an ordinance setting standards for a proposed data center on roughly 800 acres near Stickles Pond Road and Route 206, despite strong opposition from residents. The committee later rescinded the ordinance, allowing officials to present the move as a response to community concerns.
National Land Developers LLC, based in Media, Pennsylvania, sued the township seeking to overturn the ordinance but never served the defendants. The developer subsequently requested dismissal of the case, which the court granted. Mayor Thomas Walsh and other committee members praised residents’ engagement, while opponents argued that the committee had initially created the opportunity for the data center. The dispute is also becoming an issue in local elections, with three committee seats up for reelection.