The recent expansion of data centers has become a thorny issue in New Jersey and around the country. Residents of communities where data centers are located have also expressed concern about water usage and noise levels. More than 25 towns in the state have passed or proposed ordinances banning data centers from their municipalities. Last fall, local officials passed zoning changes to permit data centers in one of Andover's redevelopment zones. In May, the township committee voted unanimously to ban data centers and repealed its prior zoning rule.