Last week, at a hearing of the Center Township board of supervisors, Chairman Ed Latuska made a stunningly noteworthy comment. He asked for more public scrutiny.

The hearing focused zoning changes that would restrict commercial growth around VA Butler Healthcare complex being built on North Duffy Road.

The so-called Economic Resource Overlay District would add a new zoning designation intended to promote companion businesses around the center — things like medical offices, day care and hospice centers, professional offices, data centers, schools, TV or radio studios (but no broadcast antennas) schools (but no dormitories) and government buildings. There would be minimum lot sizes and setbacks, both intended to preserve the neighborhood’s open-country atmosphere and buffer existing residential areas.

The zoning would forbid such ventures as big-box stores, factories, warehouses, high-rise apartments or hotels and other commercial ventures.

There were about 55 residents at Wednesday’s public hearing. Nearly all objected to the zoning overlay. Their objections didn’t bother Latuska. He welcomed them. He said he was frustrated there weren’t even more people raising objections.

He stressed the point that the supervisors have been moving diligently, but deliberately, on the VA project. The federal agency has dropped a multimillion-dollar gift on the township — a financial boost not only to the municipality’s property tax base but also to residents’ incomes and income tax rolls.

The trick now is for the supervisors to harness the windfall and turn it into a better public standard of living — which is easier said than done. Poor planning could lead to millions of dollars wasted and neighborhoods harmed by noise, traffic congestion, crime, poor drainage or other unintended hazards.

So here’s what Supervisor Latuska said about the zoning proposal: “I wish we could tell the people how many hours and thought we’re putting into this decision. We’re not going into this blindly.”

He added, “I don’t know what more we can say. It’s on our website. The meetings are advertised. We tell people every month to come to our meetings.”

That’s true: Go to the website — www.centertownship.net — where there’s a wealth of information and data about the township. Download and print a copy of the proposed zoning amendment at www.centertownship.net/ordinances/ero_2016-04-02.pdf.

Study it, then call or e-mail the township with questions or suggestions. and make note that the next scheduled township meeting is posted on the website too: 6:30 p.m. April 13 at the Unionville Firehall, 102 Mahood Road.

It’s rare and refreshing when an elected official welcomes critical review — and it shows how earnestly Latuska and the other supervisors want to get it right. They didn’t choose to put the VA Butler Healthcare in the township, but they can see the potential and are working to maximize the benefits while minimizing potential costs.

The township’s website backs up Latuska’s comment that the board wants to keep constituents informed — and for the constituents to tell the supervisors what they think about the changes.

Score a point for the cause of open government.