Andover plans ban on AI data centers after tense meeting and viral video
Andover officials said they plan to introduce an ordinance to ban artificial intelligence data centers in the township following a tense public meeting earlier this week that ended in an altercation between police and a resident.
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Andover officials said they plan to introduce an ordinance to ban artificial intelligence data centers in the township following a tense public meeting earlier this week that ended in an altercation between police and a resident.
Video of the incident circulated widely on social media and prompted backlash from residents opposed to a proposed AI data center at a former airport in town off of Rt. 206
"Everyone has the right to voice their opinion and come together in a town without there being violence," Andover resident Jade Holzworth said.
Mayor Tom Walsh, however, said the video does not show the full encounter. He said the resident was removed after becoming disruptive and resisting officers.
"He starts swearing at the police officers, swearing at the committee, swearing all the way to the back of the room, which became very disruptive," Walsh said. "When he got to the door, he kicked up off the bucks to kick back and resist. He actually kicked into one of the officers...[they] got him in a bear hug, took him to the floor."
After the considerable backlash, though, the township said they are moving forward with two new ordinances. One would ban data centers from Andover Township. The other would repeal data centers as a permitted use specifically within the area where the former airport is located.
“We’re going to put a ban on it — on data centers,” he said.
Residents cited environmental concerns and quality‑of‑life impacts as the main reasons for their opposition.
"I'm really astounded. I really can't believe this is happening. This community came together in a way I never would've imagined to fight this thing," Andover resident Ken Collins said.
Walsh said the main reason the township committee considered the data center in the first place was its potential to bring in $5 million in tax revenue. He told News 12 the issue has deeply divided the town and led to 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.”
The township will hold a meeting on Tuesday to introduce the new ordinances.
