November 4, 2015

A-2: Layout Plan Option A, Shade Structure for the Gibbons Exhibit, Sheet $1.1, dated 9/23/15, prepared by French & Parrello Associates, PA; A-3: Building Elevation Option A, Sheet $1.2, dated 9/23/15, prepared by French & Parrello Associates, PA. DISCUSSION Mark L. Fleder, Esq., Connell Foley LLP, special legal counsel to Essex County addressed the Board. The County was presenting a Courtesy Review Application to replace an existing adjustable awning shade structure and install a permanent timber shade structure. Michael J. Piga, LLA, French & Parrello Associates PA, was sworn in, stated his credentials, and was accepted by the Board to be an expert in landscape architecture. Mr. Piga said the County had engaged his firm to design a new shade structure for the Gibbons Exhibit. Mr. Piga described the existing site conditions, the location of various zoo attractions and the existing Gibbons Exhibit, (Exhibit A-1). Mr. Piga said there currently existed a canvas-type retractable awning extending approximately 10 foot by 40 foot out from the four windows of the Gibbons holding area. Mr. Piga explained the glare from the sun reflected off the windows making it difficult for visitors to see in to Gibbons Exhibit. The canvas awnings were located too high and were too short in length; they did not extend far enough out from the windows to alleviate the glare. The new construction would be a 30 feet long by 16 feet wide timber shade structure, similar to a porch; designed to extend further out from the holding facility, it would be set lower — approximately 8 feet. It would provide more shade and would eliminate the glare to allow visitors the opportunity to better view the Gibbons. The County had proposed the project after being after consulting with the Zoo professionals. Mr. Piga identified the existing Gibbons facility and the proposed structure (Exhibit A-2). Referring to Exhibit A-3, Mr. Piga described the new structure; he explained how visitors would experience the exhibit after the improvements. Regarding the building cross section illustration, he said the top of the structure would extend approximately 16 feet from the existing building, situated over the existing windows. Visitors would enter from gateway areas; the areas would be large enough to accommodate strollers. Indicating the front view, he said the structure area had an open plan; the

ver the existing windows. Visitors would enter from gateway areas; the areas would be large enough to accommodate strollers. Indicating the front view, he said the structure area had an open plan; the thought was for the Gibbons to have an outdoor view; they would not be staring at a wall; mainly during the winter months and when zoo closed. To continue the design theme of the existing gibbons exhibit, the roof would be a corrugated steel; the corrugated steel would also be used at the bottom of the (four) rough sawn posts; the posts would be mounted on concrete footings; other structure building material would include T-111 siding. In response to questions from Mr. Fleder, Mr. Piga confirmed there would be no exterior lighting, new windows or new doors. Mr. Piga concluded his testimony. Addressing the Board, Mr. Fleder explained the County had recently retained a contractor to build the project. When he submitted the foundation plans to the Building Department, the contractor was advised the County must first submit the plan to the Planning Board for Courtesy Review. The County had originally thought the project was not subject to a Courtesy Review because it was to replace an existing exterior structure; it was not a new building. Councilwoman McCartney asked if Mr. Piga had designed the original (existing) Gibbons structure and if so had they observed the same effect on other existing zoo structures; Mr. Piga said French & Parrello had designed the existing structure but had learned from the design flaws for subsequent exhibits; he cited the Big Cat Exhibit as an example.