Salem Township solicitor could earn millions negotiating data center agreements

Salem Township solicitor Tony McDonald could receive millions of dollars in contingency fees for negotiating community benefit agreements with Amazon and three other data center developers. An amended agreement with Amazon guarantees the township $22 million, including an immediate $10 million escrow payment and 12 additional $1 million payments tied to occupancy permits for future buildings. The money is intended for water service extensions, infrastructure and public safety.

McDonald said Amazon agreed to renegotiate after successfully challenging the township’s permit-fee structure in court and seeking to expand its campus from 17 to 20 buildings. He is also negotiating agreements for three other approved data center campuses, including one whose developer has proposed a $43 million community package. The township is working on a curative amendment addressing issues such as noise and air pollution, while officials have also secured buffer-zone assurances through zoning approvals.