Andover Township Plans to Ban AI Data Centers After Public Meeting Clash
Andover Township officials said they will introduce ordinances to ban artificial intelligence data centers following a contentious public meeting this week that ended with police removing a resident from the room.
Video of the incident circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from residents opposed to a proposed AI data center at a former airport off Route 206.
Mayor Tom Walsh said the resident became disruptive during the meeting, swearing at officers and committee members before resisting as police escorted him out. Walsh said the resident kicked an officer during the removal.
Jade Holzworth, an Andover resident, said the encounter raised concerns about public safety at town meetings. "Everyone has the right to voice their opinion and come together in a town without there being violence," Holzworth said.
The township will introduce two ordinances: one banning data centers across Andover Township, and another repealing data centers as a permitted use at the former airport site specifically.
Revenue vs. Community Division
Walsh said the township committee initially considered the data center project because it could generate $5 million in annual tax revenue. He told local media the issue has deeply divided the town and resulted in threats against him and his family.
"It's not worth tearing a town apart for this," Walsh said. "No amount of money is worth that."
Residents opposed to the project cited environmental concerns and quality-of-life impacts. Ken Collins, another Andover resident, said the community mobilized against the proposal in unexpected ways.
The township will hold a meeting Tuesday to introduce the new ordinances.
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