February 6, 2013

Mr. Klein inquired if the parking lot included handicap accessible spaces. He opined that the circulation of the parking area looked backwards. Councilwoman McCartney inquired as to heat island affect. She asked if there could be more shade tree landscaping. Mr. Piga answered that the plan called for maximizing the current condition of the lot but that more shading could be added. Mr. Eben stated there was a zoning ordinance requirement for a number of trees for so many parking spaces. He wanted to know why the County should be exempt. Mr. Grygiel cited Section 25-12.1(0.) - General Provisions for Off-Street Parking, requiring one tree and ground level planting for every ten parking spaces. Mr. Piga said the County would comply with the ordinance. Harvey Grossman, Public Advocate, asked if Green Acres or Open Space funding was financing the plan. Mr. Fleder advised the Applicant was not required to answer the question. Mr. Grygiel inquired if there was a parking plan for special events; would parking be allowed on grassy areas. Mr. Piga said overflow parking would be directed to the McLoone’s parking area, approximately 2,000 feet from the boat launch. Suzanne Robinson, 34 Dogwood Drive, asked about the boat launch elevations; if DEP approval was necessary for cutting in to the wall; how much water would be displaced by the paddleboats; would people be displaced from using the current picnic area; would the gate be closed at night. Ms. Robinson said she had read City of Orange residents would be given a fifty-percent discount; why not one for West Orange residents; and what were the proposed hours of operation. Mr. Fleder said the next witness could answer the question regarding hours of operation. Mr. Piga said there would be a floating dock with fencing. The ramp would have a hinge. Buoys would be placed in the area. The gate would be closed at night and the Essex County Sheriff's Department would patrol the area. The picnic tables near the parking lot would not be moved. Mr. Robert Rashkes, 35 Oak Crest Road, asked if a traffic study had been done; what was the configuration of the new parking lot; would curbing be installed along Cherry Lane; what was the storm management plan; would the stamped concrete in the pavilion area be graffiti-proof. Mr. Rashkes was advised that a traffic study had been completed; the parking area was comprised of asphalt

the storm management plan; would the stamped concrete in the pavilion area be graffiti-proof. Mr. Rashkes was advised that a traffic study had been completed; the parking area was comprised of asphalt and stone and could accommodate up to forty-three buses; curbing would not be installed on Cherry Lane, just a sidewalk; a storm water management plan was not required as part of the Application; and that the area would be maintained by Turtleback Zoo employees. Derek Cocovinis, 48 Baxter Lane, a member of the South Mountain Conservancy, asked if this plan was a moneymaking operation. Mr. Cocovinis stated that there were receptactes in the area but the receptacles were never emptied, all the trash ended up in the water. Chairman Bagoff advised Mr. Cocovinis to contact the office of the County Executive, Joe DiVincenzo, to discuss any financial agreements between Essex County and the City of Orange. NAPLANNING. BRD\WPIMINUTES\201 3\2-6-713 Minutes.doc 6