The recent Bath Township Board of Zoning Appeals meeting was a masterclass in grassroots democracy ("Bath plan to rent out historic barn opposed," Nov. 18). More of a town hall rather than a zoning meeting, citizens packed the room and weighed in on land use plans for the North Fork Preserve, the applicable zoning code, fund allocations and transparency in the township’s decision-making process. What stood out wasn’t just the diversity of opinion, but the respect and attentiveness shown by township leadership. They didn’t just hear the people — they listened.

A retired teacher spoke about preserving the buildings and green space for future generations. Others, whose property borders the preserve, passionately spoke of safety concerns and current zoning resolution inconsistencies. Then,

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