March 4, 2015

Mr. Piga confirmed that the pedestrian walkway was 15-feet wide and would be able to accommodate an emergency vehicle. Referring to Exhibit A-1, Councilwoman McCartney stated the new parking deck and educational building were not included on the aerial view; she asked Mr. Piga for clarification regarding the location of the Complex’s driveway to the new exhibit. She then asked for clarification regarding the giraffe fencing; Mr. Piga said that while the giraffes were unable to step over 4-foot fence, they were able to lean a great distance, hence the need for the 10-feet barrier fencing. He said that in addition to the giraffes, the exhibit would include small African deer, antelope and ostriches. Vice Chairman Weston stated there were no lighting details indicated on the plans; would the lighting be cut-off type; Mr. Piga said that post lights, 18-feet maximum with arches would be installed; the lamps would continue the rustic, African theme. In response to the Vice Chairman’s inquiry regarding area slope and drainage, Mr. Piga said the plan would meet all water quality standards for New Jersey. Mr. Lepore requested clarification of the condition and species of the 150 trees chosen for removal; Mr. Piga said the trees were a mixture of both healthy and dead/dying Oak and Ash. Harvey Grossman, Esq., Public Advocate, referring to Exhibit A-1, he asked Mr. Piga to indicate the locations of the new playground, new parking area, and Cherry Lane. He asked how many live giraffes would be at the exhibit; the surface area it would cover; would the exhibit be a major attraction; would the exhibit increase the number of visitors at the zoo; would there be an increase in traffic on Northfield Avenue; and a traffic study been conducted. Mr. Piga said there would be three giraffes; the exhibit would cover approximately 2 % acres; he opined it would become a major attraction resulting in more visitors; he did not know if there would be an increase in traffic or ifa traffic study had been conducted. Robert Rashkes, 35 Oakcrest Road, asked the species of trees to be replanted; would the giraffe exhibit be visible from the perspective of Oakcrest Road. Mr. Piga said a variety tree species including red maple and river birch were to be planted; he was unable to determine extent of exhibit visibility from Oakcrest Road. The Public had no further questions for Mr.

a variety tree species including red maple and river birch were to be planted; he was unable to determine extent of exhibit visibility from Oakcrest Road. The Public had no further questions for Mr. Piga. Lorrie Sciabarasi, AIA, Comito Associates, PC, was sworn in, stated her credentials, and accepted by the Board to be an expert in architecture. Ms. Sciabarasi said the County commissioned Comito Associates to design the giraffe house; referring to Exhibit A-4, she said the ground floor of the structure was approximately 7,000 square feet; she described the locations of animal stalls, exercise arena, keeper office, restroom, kitchen, mechanical/utilities, animal equipment and food storage, and building ingress/egress. Two sets of stairs led to Mezzanine area approximately 1,600 square feet (Exhibit A-5), its purpose for tamer access io the giraffes during indoor periods. The building elevations details (Exhibit A-6) included the height of the building to be approximately 50 feet; south elevation to include several window installations to allow as much natural light as possible; windows to be installed on north, west and east elevations. Ms. Sciabarasi said that Exhibit A-7 depicted the building exterior; the north side was the service side; the south side was the main exhibit where the animals would enter and exit the building to the viewing area. Building material details were to be finalized but to include a cultured stonewall facade to 10 feet height and other