Andover Township data center plan sparks opposition, violent incident at public meeting

A contentious public meeting in Andover Township, New Jersey, regarding a proposed artificial intelligence data center devolved into a physical altercation Thursday night. The incident occurred as residents expressed outrage over the Township Committee's quiet amendment of zoning codes last year, which made data centers a permitted use on an 88-acre site, the former Newton airport, without public debate or environmental review. Officer T. Walsh, identified as the son of Mayor Thomas D. Walsh Jr., forcibly removed and slammed a resident to the floor after the individual muttered a profanity. The mayor had previously expressed embarrassment over representing the residents. Hundreds of residents attended the meeting, seeking answers on critical issues such as water consumption, noise, light pollution, property values, and the potential $4-5 million annual payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements. The township attorney admitted that preliminary financial discussions occurred behind closed doors and that basic research into water and energy demands was not completed before the zoning change. Committee members also conceded they had not studied emergency response requirements. Organizations like Climate Revolution Action Network and Sussex Visibility Brigade are actively fighting the development, with the latter condemning the officer's actions and criticizing the committee for silencing dissent. Andover Responsible Development, a local group, has established a legal fund, labeling the zoning changes as "illegal spot zoning" and calling for a full repeal of the ordinances. Following the incident, the committee entered a closed executive session to discuss "legal issues" but adjourned without rescinding the data center ordinances, pushing a new ordinance (2026-10) to the Land Use Board.