the May 19th Land Use Board Meeting Still Needs You!
Ordinance 2026-13, which would finally ban data centers in all zones of Andover Township, is officially on the agenda for Tuesday’s Land Use Board meeting on May 19th at 7:30 PM. Some folks might think, “It’s on the agenda, so we’re done.” That could be a costly mistake. Here is why your presence still matters.
The Board must say “YES” to consistency
The Land Use Board isn’t voting to pass the law Tuesday night. They are voting on a “Consistency Determination.” That means they decide if the ban fits the town’s Master Plan.
If they say “No,” the Township Committee has to go back to the drawing board. That delay could kill the entire effort.
We need a room full of residents to remind them that the public demands a “Yes.”
The lawsuit window is still ticking
Remember the May 28th deadline. An attorney retained by an Andover resident has already threatened a lawsuit over the previous data center ordinances.
If the Land Use Board drags their feet or plays politics, it gives the town cover to stall, hoping that deadline passes.
A packed house Tuesday ensures they know we are watching the clock and will not accept any delays.
The “Tolling Agreement” trap
A “tolling agreement” is like an extended warranty on a broken car. It lets the town off the hook.
We need to make it clear Tuesday night. We do not want a tolling agreement. We want the ban passed. Period.
Read below for more information on tolling agreements.
Applications are waiting in the wings
Look at the agenda. There are still pending applications for other developments.
If the Land Use Board feels no public pressure, they might be more sympathetic to the next industrial project.
Your presence sets the tone that Andover residents are organized, informed, and ready to fight for our character.
The “Tolling Agreement” trap Explained
As the Sussex Visibility Brigade explained, a “tolling agreement” sounds technical, but it is actually simple. Right now, the attorney representing an Andover resident has a hard deadline of May 28th to file a lawsuit against the town over the old data center ordinances.
A tolling agreement is a legal deal that would pause or “extend” that deadline. If the town agrees to it, the attorney and his client would get more time to file their lawsuit. In fact, they could file it even after May 28th, regardless of whether the new ban passes.
Why would the town agree to that?
Some townships use tolling agreements to delay, hoping the public loses interest or the political momentum fades. It lets the town off the hook.
As Sussex Visibility Brigade put it, a tolling agreement is like an extended warranty on a broken car. It says, “We know we messed up, so here is extra time to come after us later.” But that extra time does not help residents. It only helps the town avoid a quick, clean resolution.
We need to make it clear Tuesday Night. We do not want a tolling agreement. We want the town to face the deadline and pass the ban without delay. Period.