December 6, 2017

TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 6, 2017 The Township of West Orange Planning Board held a regular meeting on December 6, 2017 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chamber, 66 Main Street, West Orange, New Jersey. Chairman Bagoff called the meeting to order at approximately 7:36 P.M. He announced that notification of the meeting was given to the Township Clerk, and posted on the Township Bulletin Board, sent to the West Orange Chronicle and the Star Ledger, and posted on the Township’s website calendar. This meeting has been properly noticed to the public in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. No new matters will start after 10:30 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Bagoff requested all persons stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next Planning Board regular meeting will be January 3, 2018 in the Council Chamber at 7:30 P.M. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chairman Robert Bagoff, John Cardoza, Jerome Eben, Michael Keigher, Councilwoman Susan McCartney, Andrew Trenk, Gary Wegner, Ron Weston ABSENT: Tekeste Ghebremicael, Vice Chairman Lee Klein, William Wilkes I! ALSO PRESENT: Paul Grygiel, AICP, PP, Township Planning Director Patrick J. Dwyer, Esq., Board Attorney Robin Miller, Board Secretary Harvey Grossman, Esq., Public Advocate ADOPT MINUTES The minutes of the November 1, 2017 Planning Board meeting were unanimously adopted. SWEARING IN Township Professional: Paul Grygiel, AICP, PP, Township Planner RESOLUTION(S) None.

APPLICATION(S) PB-17-09C/Essex County/TBZ/Main Entrance Renovation Block: 163; Lot: 1; Zone: R-1 560 Northfield Avenue Courtesy Review Application to renovate existing entrance at the Turtle Back Zoo. PB-17-10C/Essex County/TBZ/Leopard Exhibit Renovation Block: 163; Lot: 1; Zone: R-1 560 Northfield Avenue Courtesy Review Application to renovate existing Leopard Exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo. EXHIBITS A-1: Enlarged Aerial View of Turtle Back Zoo, prepared by French & Parrello Associates, dated 11/17/17 A-2: Conceptual Site Plan for Leopard Exhibit, drawn by Michael Piga, French & Parrello Associates, dated 12/5/17 A-3: Ground Floor Plan for Leopard Exhibit, Sheet SK-1, drawn by Lorrie A. Sciabarasi, AIA, Comito Associates PC, dated 11/15/17 A-4: Exterior Building Elevations for Leopard Exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo, Sheet SK-2, drawn by Lorrie A. Sciabarasi, AIA, Comito Associates PC, dated 11/15/17 A-5: Rendering of Turtle Back Zoo Entry and Administration Building, Comito Associates PC, undated. A-6: Rendering of Turtle Back Zoo Entry and Administration Building, Comito Associates PC, undated. Mark L. Fleder, Esq., Connell Foley LLP, legal counsel to Essex County, introduced the Courtesy Review applications as provided by statute. Mr. Fleder requested permission for both Applications to be heard together. 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. Referring to Exhibit A-1, Mr. Piga identified the location of the existing Leopard Exhibit, and the area of the Zoo Main Entrance. Referring to Exhibit A-2, Mr. Piga described the Leopard Exhibit existing conditions; he indicated the areas to be renovated. The current exhibit consisted of two exhibit areas, a gunite stream, stainless-steel netting, landscaping, stamped concrete walkaways, and a 950 sq. ft. exhibit building. The renovations to the existing holding area would include fixing the roof, adding a sink to the trainer's area, updating the pool filter system, upgrading the fence and grate systems. The renovations also included an approximately 1,300 sq. ft. addition to the east side of the building, increasing the total building footprint to approximately 2,300-2,500 sq. ft. For drainage, some sort of drywells would be added. There would be walkway improvements along

he east side of the building, increasing the total building footprint to approximately 2,300-2,500 sq. ft. For drainage, some sort of drywells would be added. There would be walkway improvements along the west side of the building. There would also be stairs to the west side of the building. Two outdoor, off-exhibit holding areas for the leopards would be on the north and south side of

the building. Landscaping would include lawn areas; one or two trees might require replacement. A new 12 ft. wide concrete walkway would lead up to the building and around to one of the outdoor holding areas. To the north of the exhibit, there would be a small new retaining wall approximately 2 ft. to 3 ft. in height to compensate for slope in the area. Mr. Piga concluded his testimony. Chairman Bagoff asked the Board if they had questions for Mr. Piga. Councilwoman McCartney asked if the expansion would include new animals. Mr. Piga stated the upgrades were for the existing animals. Mr. Weston asked for clarification regarding the size of the proposed addition, it looked like the proposal was to double the size of the existing building. Mr. Piga stated the current building was approximately 950 sq. ft.; the addition was 1,356 sq. ft. Mr. Weston asked if new exterior lighting was proposed. Mr. Piga stated any new lighting would be for security to the rear of the building. He confirmed any new lighting would be full cut off. Mr. Eben asked for clarification regarding the height of the proposed retaining wall on the north side of exhibit; would the Public be able to walk in that area. Mr. Piga stated the height would be approximately 3 ft.; visitors would not have access to area. Mr. Eben asked if a railing was needed on top of the retaining wall. Mr. Piga answered no. Mr. Eben asked about the Zoo Master Plan; Mr. Fleder stated the Master Plan was scheduled to be completed in the early part of 2018. Mr. Cardoza asked Mr. Piga to confirm there were currently six dens for six leopards. Mr. Piga stated there were six dens; he was unable to confirm the current number of leopards. The Public Advocate had no questions for Mr. Piga. Chairman Bagoff asked the Public if they had questions for Mr. Piga. The following members of the Public approached the podium to question Mr. Piga: Robert Rashkes, 35 Oak Crest Road, West Orange Sally Malanga, 57 Ridge Road, West Orange Robert Daniel, 2B Buckingham Road, West Orange In response to questions from the Public, Mr. Piga stated three trees would be removed; no additional visitor seating was planned; the total square footage of the Exhibit was approximately 3,900 SF; the building would be approximately 2,300 SF. He stated he worked with the Zoo Director and referred to the AZA (Association of Zoos and

total square footage of the Exhibit was approximately 3,900 SF; the building would be approximately 2,300 SF. He stated he worked with the Zoo Director and referred to the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) regulations to determine to size of the improvements. He described the existing exterior leopard habitat.

In response to Public question, Mr. Dwyer stated the Applicant was not required to Notice for Public Meeting. Mr. Weston clarified the application was for Courtesy Review only. Mr. Fleder stated the law was cited in Section 31 of the Municipal Land Use Law. There were no further questions for Mr. Piga regarding the Leopard Exhibit. Mr. Fleder called his next witness, Lorrie A. Sciabarasi, AIA, Partner, Comito Associates PC. Ms. Sciabarasi was sworn in, stated her credentials, and was accepted by the Board to be an expert in architecture, licensed in the State of New Jersey. Referring to Exhibit A-3, (Leopard Exhibit Ground Floor Plan), Ms. Sciabarasi described the existing conditions. She stated the purpose of the project was to provide new larger spacious dens for the animals in accordance with the AZA regulations. There were currently two types of leopards at the Zoo — Snow Leopards and Amur Leopards; the renovations would allow the animals to interchange their environment on a daily basis; and create better space for new cubs. The new dens would have new gates and fencing; there would be two new exterior holding areas; a trainer's hallway; and the installation of shift doors to allow the leopards access to the existing exhibit yard. New double doors and steps for trainer access would be added to the southern exterior portion of the building. Mechanicals would be located on the east side of the new addition. Ms. Sciabarasi concluded her testimony. Chairman Bagoff asked the Board if they had questions for Ms. Sciabarasi. Mr. Eben asked if the purpose of the ladder in the rear of the building was for roof access; what was the height of the ladder; and what was on the roof. Ms. Sciabarasi confirmed the ladder was for roof access; she stated there were skylights on the roof, the roof area allowed keepers an additional view of the exhibit during periodic inspections of the fencing. She stated the ladder was approximately 12 ft. high. Mr. Eben suggested reviewing the code regulations for a safety fence; Ms. Sciabarasi stated it would be over the top on the parapet. The Public Advocate had no questions for Ms. Sciabarasi. Chairman Bagoff asked the Public if they had questions for Ms. Sciabarasi. The following members of the Public approached the podium to question Ms. Sciabarasi: Kevin Malanga, Ridge Road, West Orange Sally Malanga, 57 Ridge Road, West

they had questions for Ms. Sciabarasi. The following members of the Public approached the podium to question Ms. Sciabarasi: Kevin Malanga, Ridge Road, West Orange Sally Malanga, 57 Ridge Road, West Orange In response to questions from the Public, Ms. Sciabarasi stated the current size of the building was 950 sq. ft.; the addition would be approximately 1,300 sq. ft.; the individual dens would be 12 ft. by 12 ft.; the entire size of the exhibit (interior and exterior) was

approximately 10,000 sq. ft.; the interior habitat would be air-conditioned. There were currently two Snow Leopards (1 male, 1 female) and two Amur Leopards (1 male, one female). In response to Public question regarding the handling of cubs; Mr. Fleder stated the Zoo operated to the strictest conformity of the AZA rules. There were no further questions for Ms. Sciabarasi regarding the Leopard Exhibit. Mr. Fleder stated Ms. Sciabarasi, as project architect, would continue with testimony for the application for the Zoo Main Entrance Renovation. Chairman Bagoff reminded Ms. Sciabarasi she was still under oath. Referring to Exhibit A-5, Ms. Sciabarasi stated the project was to expand the zoo main entrance plaza to accommodate visitors. The existing ticket booths between the towers would be demolished; the towers would remain. Five new free-standing ticket booths would be installed in the area between the towers. The renovations would add more space for queuing lines; the plaza would be expanded west to the parking area; the current driveway area would be realigned. A grass like pattern would be painted on the roadway to indicate visitor crosswalks; removable bollards would be installed for traffic control during large events. Access to the area would be from two ramp walkways with shallow pitches. To the east of the plaza there would be a drop-off and loading area. A new pedestrian area including bench seating would be located on the left side of the plaza. The plan included construction of a new 1,800 sq. ft. building for group sales and private administration offices; it would include three additional ticket booths for days when there were overflow visitors. She indicated the location of new landscaping, trees and lighting. A new stroller rental space would be located in the area of the ticket booths. In response to the Township Planner’s Report dated 11/30/17; Ms. Sciabarasi stated the current surface parking lot included 130 parking spaces; the renovation would include a loss of 26 spaces. She stated the required number of handicap spaces would remain. Larger emergency vehicles would still be able to maneuver in the area. Referring to Exhibit A-6, Ms. Sciabarasi stated the new entrance would be modern and clean. The two existing towers would remain; currently they were wrapped in stone; they would be refurbished. There would be new banners and signage,

barasi stated the new entrance would be modern and clean. The two existing towers would remain; currently they were wrapped in stone; they would be refurbished. There would be new banners and signage, including a new digital sign in the area of the new administration building. She stated there would be no changes to the traffic pattern from Northfield Avenue. Ms. Sciabarasi concluded her testimony. Chairman Bagoff asked the Board if they had questions for Ms. Sciabarasi. Councilwoman McCartney stated she hoped the reconfigured plaza would improve the wait time and traffic flow of the area. Ms. Sciabarasi opined the plan would really help the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in and out of the Complex.

Mr. Eben stated the elimination of 26 parking spaces was a serious issue; there was currently insufficient parking. He asked if there was room for additional surface parking in the area; was there a plan to add additional levels to the existing parking garage. Ms. Sciabarasi stated an additional level could be added to the most recent parking deck. In response to question form Mr. Eben; Ms. Sciabarasi stated there would be a total of 13 ticket booths; including 3 booths that would be ADA compliant to accommodate a disabled employee. Mr. Eben asked if there was a second means of egress from the Zoo. He stated the County had not made any infrastructure improvements including additional rest rooms and parking. Ms. Sciabarasi stated she was not involved in the Master Plan Update for the Zoo. Mr. Cardoza asked for confirmation that the group sales building was the new building addition. Ms. Sciabarasi answered correct. Mr. Cardoza asked if there would be any renovations to the existing building. Ms. Sciabarasi stated the existing building currently had two classrooms/party rooms that would be expanded in to one classroom/party room. The existing employee break room would be expanded; there would be some new spaces for IT, Security and equipment. She stated the building also was a means egress; there was a corridor leading to an exit. She stated there would be improvements to the existing rest rooms. Mr. Grygiel asked if the project took in to consideration the Township Complete Street Policy or the County Complete Street Policy. Ms. Sciabarasi stated she was unable to find the Complete Street Policy in the Township's Master Plan. Chairman Bagoff requested Mr. Grygiel send the Policy to Mr. Fleder. The Public Advocate had no questions for Ms. Sciabarasi. The following member of the Public approached the podium to question Ms. Sciabarasi: Robert Rashkes, 35 Oak Crest Road, West Orange In response to Public question, Ms. Sciabarasi stated she did not know if the Main Entrance improvement project was listed in the existing Zoo Master Plan. She stated a traffic engineer had reviewed the circulation for the Main Entrance. She stated the proposed benches were of standard dimensions. There were no further questions for Ms. Sciabarasi regarding the Main Entrance Renovation. Chairman Bagoff asked the Public if they had comments on the Applications. Robert Rashkes,