Residents raised questions about the definition of a data node and expressed concerns about whether data center ordinances would safeguard the township from potential developers during the Winslow committee meeting on July 21.
During the session’s public hearing, resident Patrick Oates requested clarification of the term “data node” and whether committee members felt confident that township ordinances would prevent data centers from being built in the township.
The data center measures provide detailed definitions of both a data center and a data node to offer transparency and prevent confusion over the terminology.
Attorney Stuart A. Platt responded on behalf of the township committee regarding Oates’ concerns.
“I absolutely do (feel confident about the ordinances),” he said, “and we remain vigilant about any changes in the industry that may turn out something different.”
As stated in the council agenda, a data node is defined as a “small, self-contained computing unit, designed to be installed in or alongside a home to perform AI and other computer workloads. These nodes are part of a distributed data center model, where instead of relying on large, centralized data centers, computing power is spread across many small units in residential or small business properties.”
“Data nodes are not merely incidental to a principal use located on site, but serve a principal use located off-site.”
In other meeting business, the committee appointed four police officers for Winslow: Dylan J. Dixon, Alan J. Kappauf, Jacob N. Lintner and Kajus Matazinskas. And Township Administrator Joseph Gallagher presented a PowerPoint on the 2026 municipal budget. A budget hearing was also held to give residents the opportunity to ask questions or express concerns.
Upcoming events include the police department’s National Night Out 2026 at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the township municipal complex. It will feature game trucks, giveaways and music. The nationwide initiative is an opportunity for police to connect with their communities.
Family Day will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 2 to 7 p.m. at New Brooklyn Park. The event will feature local vendors and activities for the entire community. The Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band Let’s Groove Tonight will perform at 6 p.m.
The next Winslow Township Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m.
Dylan J. Dixon is sworn in as a Winslow police officer during a July 21 committee meeting that focused in part on AI data centers.
