Andover officials say they plan to introduce an ordinance to ban artificial intelligence data centers in town after a tense public meeting that ended in an altercation between police and residents earlier this week.
Video of the incident was widely circulated on social media, sparking a backlash from residents opposed to an AI data center planned for the former airport in the town outside Ludwig. 206
“Everyone has the right to express their opinions and come together in town without violence,” Andover resident Jade Holzworth said.
However, Mayor Tom Walsh said the video does not show the full extent of the encounter. He said the resident was removed because he had become disruptive and resistant to officers.
“He started badmouthing the police officers, he started badmouthing the committee, he started badmouthing all the way to the back of the room, and it was very chaotic,” Walsh said. “Once he got to the door, he kicked the money up and fought back and resisted. He actually kicked one of the officers…[they] I gave him a bear hug and took him to the floor. ”
However, after receiving significant backlash, the town announced it would move forward with two new ordinances. One would be to ban data centers from Andover Township. The other would eliminate data centers as a permitted use, especially within the area where the old airport is located.
“We’re going to ban it in our data centers,” he said.
Residents cited environmental concerns and the impact on quality of life as the main reasons for their opposition.
“I’m absolutely shocked. I can’t believe this is happening. This community has come together in a way I never imagined we would be able to fight this,” Andover resident Ken Collins said.
Walsh said the main reason the town board considered the data center in the first place was the 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 the town apart for this,” Walsh said. “No matter how much money you have, it’s not worth it.”
The town is scheduled to meet Tuesday to introduce the new ordinance.
