April 4, 2018

Mr. Cardoza stated there was mention of the zoo having further meetings with other shareholder groups, but did not identify those groups. He opined the meeting was somewhat of an extension of an “olive branch” to the Township and residents of West Orange. He agreed that there was work to be done to complete the plan; there were many ideas but nothing definitive; including options for additional parking. Vice Chairman Weston stated the meeting provided internal zoological information more than land use planning that would affect our community. The County had stated that a Traffic Study but would be initiated; but had not yet been started. Information was not provided about how the plan would affect the surrounding community. He opined that issues and concerns of the Public discussed during the Board hearings of County projects were not addressed at the meeting. He stated that at the meeting he had commented that if the County continued to expand the zoo and take land from the reservation, they should consider using Open Space Trust Fund money to offset the loss by preserving other land. Mr. Wegner asked if the County had indicated when the plan would be completed. Chairman Bagoff said it was his understanding that the plan was still in development but there would not be further public hearings. Vice Chairman Weston said that at a prior Board hearing the County had made the commitment to present the plan to the Board at some future point. He opined the next County application might trigger that opportunity. Chairman Bagoff stated for the record that on February 22, 2018 he sent a letter to Anthony Puglisi, Director, Office of Public Information, County of Essex, about points the Board had discussed at the February 7, 2018 regular meeting. Chairman Bagoff directed the Secretary to provide the Board the list of Open Space properties in the Township, including those purchased subsequent to the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update, June 2010. MEETING ADJOURNED at approximately 8:23 P.M. Minutes adopted May 2, 2018. Robin Miller, Secretary Township of West Orange Planning Board THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING BOARD WILL BE WEDNESDAY JUNE 6, 2018 AT 7:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.