September 5, 2018

TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES September 5, 2018 The Township of West Orange Planning Board held a regular meeting on September 5, 2018 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 7:30 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 October 3, 2018 in the Council Chamber at 7:30 P.M. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chairman Robert Bagoff John Cardoza Captain Michael Keigher (7:35 P.M.) Lee Klein Council President Susan McCartney Kenneth McPherson Andrew Trenk Vice Chairman Ron Weston William Wilkes II (7:36 P.M.) ABSENT: Gary Wegner ALSO PRESENT: Paul Grygiel, AICP, PP, Township Planner Patrick J. Dwyer, Esq., Board Attorney Robin Miller, Board Secretary Harvey Grossman, Esq., Public Advocate PRESENTATION Chairman Bagoff presented former Board member Mr. Tekeste Ghebremicael with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by Mayor Robert D. Parisi in recognition of Mr. Ghebremicael’s retirement from the Planning Board after fourteen years of continuous service. 1

ADOPT MINUTES The minutes of the July 11, 2018 and August 1, 2018 Planning Board meetings were unanimously adopted. SWEARING IN Paul Grygiel, AICP, PP, Township Planner APPLICATION(S) PB-18-06C/Essex County/Turtle Back Zoo/Otter Exhibit Renovation Block: 163; Lot: 1; Zone: R-1 560 Northfield Avenue Courtesy Review Application for renovation of the Otter Exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo. PB-18-07C/Essex County/Turtle Back Zoo/New Parking Deck and Train Ride Depot Block: 163; Lot: 1; Zone: R-1 560 Northfield Avenue Courtesy Review Application for construction of a new parking deck and new train ride depot Turtle Back Zoo. APPLICANT EXHIBITS: A-1: Site Plans prepared by Comito Associates PC, (13 sheets) A-2: Colorized Site Plan of Parking Deck/Train House prepared by Comito & Associates PC A-3: Rendering of Train Depot prepared by Comito & Associates PC A-4: Rendering of Parking Deck prepared by Comito & Associates PC A-5: Rendering of Parking Deck/Train Depot A-6: Enlarged Aerial View of Turtle Back Zoo prepared by French & Parrello Associates, dated 7/9/18 A-7: Conceptual Elevation of River Otter Exhibit prepared by French & Parrello Associates, dated 3/21/18 A-8: Conceptual Site Plan for River Otter Exhibit prepared by French & Parrello Associates, dated 5/7/18 A-9: Conceptual Elevation B of River Otter Exhibit prepared by French & Parrello Associates, dated 5/22/18 A-10: Conceptual Elevation C of River Otter Exhibit prepared by French & Parrello Associates, dated 3/21/18 A-11: Conceptual Access Layout for New Parking Deck prepared by French & Parrello Associates, dated 9/5/18 2

DISCUSSION: 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 a New Jersey licensed professional in landscape architecture. Referring to Exhibit A-6, Mr. Piga described the current layout of Turtle Back Zoo; he noted the existing River Otter Exhibit was located at the center of the Zoo. The proposed project was essentially a rehabilitation of the exiting exhibit. Improvements would include expanding the existing pool, more viewing areas for visitors, additional landscaping, and new lighting. Referring to Exhibit A-8, Mr. Piga stated the current pool size would be doubled to 7,000 gallons of water, there would be new landscaping installed within the space and fencing would be installed to the rear of the exhibit, and an area for trainers to store their equipment. Referring to Exhibit A-10, Mr. Piga stated a seamless glass window would be installed to create additional public viewing of the otters. No existing trees would be removed and additional trees would be planted. Mr. Piga concluded his testimony. The Board questioned Mr. Piga on his testimony. Council President McCartney asked for clarification about the size of the pool and the landscaping. Mr. Piga stated the existing pool would increase from 2,000 gallons to 7,000 gallons. Additional landscaping would be added to the exhibit to give it a more rustic appearance. Captain Keigher stated he had visited the site and thought the exhibit would be an improvement to the Zoo. Mr. Trenk asked Mr. Piga to confirm the physical footprint of the exhibit would remain the same. Mr. Piga answered in the affirmative. Vice Chairman Weston asked if the impervious coverage would increase; had the Applicant considered installing pervious pavers for the site. Mr. Piga stated the project would pave over the existing asphalt; there would be no new impervious coverage; pervious pavers had not been considered for the project. Vice Chairman Weston asked for clarification regarding new lighting; Mr. Piga stated there would be no new exterior lighting; new LED lighting would be installed in the interior of the exhibit. Mr. Cardoza asked

an Weston asked for clarification regarding new lighting; Mr. Piga stated there would be no new exterior lighting; new LED lighting would be installed in the interior of the exhibit. Mr. Cardoza asked if the number of otters would increase; Mr. Piga answered in the negative. Mr. McPherson voiced concern regarding the on-site storm water management; Mr. Piga stated the issue had been addressed. The Public Advocate had no questions for Mr. Piga. The following members of the Public approached the podium to question Mr. Piga: Judy Rosenthal, Millburn, NJ Evelyn Coleman, West Orange, NJ 3

The Public had no further questions for Mr. Piga. Chairman Bagoff asked the Public if they had comments on the Application. The following member of the Public approached the podium and was sworn in under oath: Judy Rosenthal Millburn, NJ There were no further comments from the Public on Application PB-18-06C/Renovations to Otter Exhibit. The Board deliberated. Vice Chairman Weston noted the application was for improvements to an existing exhibit; it was not an expansion. Chairman Bagoff stated that under the law the County was presenting the applications as a courtesy; it was the goal of the Board to hear the applications and make recommendations for the County to consider. He stated the County did listen to the Board and had agreed to recommendations to the best of their ability. He thanked the Public for their questions and comments. Mr. Grygiel stated the Board was tasked with hearing the County applications to confirm consistency with the Township’s Master Plan; the law stated the County was required to submit the courtesy applications because of the use of public monies. Chairman Bagoff announced the next application, PB-18-07C/Essex County/Turtle Back Zoo/Parking Deck and Train Depot. Addressing Mr. Fleder, Chairman Bagoff stated the Board had previously requested the County provide an updated Zoo Master Plan and a traffic study; he noted the importance of a traffic study in light of the proposed new parking deck. Mr. Fleder stated the County had advised the Board at the beginning of the year that it had commissioned an updated Zoo Master Plan report; a draft was completed but was not yet in its final form; the County expected its completion within the next few months. He stated it was a multi-faceted undertaking; a zoo with live animals was subject to many regulations. The report would address storm water, sidewalks, and restroom facilities. He stated the Master Plan for the Zoo would address vehicle and pedestrian traffic and maintenance vehicle access on the Zoo property. He stated the County had undertaken a separate traffic study; it would address access to the Zoo property to include Northfield Avenue and Cherry Lane. Mr. Fleder stated the application was a combination of two projects; modifications to the existing miniature train operation on the Zoo property to include moving the route of the train tracks and build a structure for train

plication was a combination of two projects; modifications to the existing miniature train operation on the Zoo property to include moving the route of the train tracks and build a structure for train storage and repairs; and the construction of a new parking deck. Chairman Bagoff thanked Mr. Fleder for the information regarding the status of the Zoo Master Plan and traffic study. He stated the Township was updating its Master Plan and welcomed input from the County. He acknowledged and thanked Michael Kerr, Director of Turtle Back Zoo, for assisting the Board members who visit the Zoo to view proposed exhibits. 4

Darrell Alvarez, PE, RA, Comito Associates PC, was sworn in, stated his credentials, and was accepted by the Board to be a New Jersey licensed professional in architecture and engineering. Referring to Exhibit A-2, Mr. Alvarez described the scope of the project to incorporate a new parking facility within the confines of the zoo property. He stated the new garage would be located in the area where there was currently a maintenance and storage structure. To make room for the new parking deck the existing maintenance structure would be moved and the existing train path would be reconfigured. He stated the length of the new path would be almost identical to the existing attraction. He stated the existing train station would be re-designed to feature an “Old Western Town” theme. Mr. Alvarez stated flood plain consideration had been included in the location and design of the new parking deck. The deck would be five levels with the option of adding a sixth level at a later date. He stated the deck would hold approximately 500 parking spaces; he stated that currently there were approximately 1,100 parking spaces on-site. The new deck would increase on-site parking by approximately fifty-percent. He stated the existing entrance on Northfield Avenue was two-way. He stated that the current two-lane exit on to Northfield Avenue from the west side of property permitted a right turn and left turn on to Northfield Avenue. The County was proposing widening the driveway to permit a third lane to permit a right turn entrance on to property; approximately 8 or 9 existing ground parking spaces would be eliminated to accommodate the new lane. Referring to Exhibit A-1, Mr. Alvarez described the proposed train house, train track improvements and new parking deck. He stated vehicles would not have access to the first level of the parking deck. The first level would be used mainly for maintenance equipment storage, hay storage, Christmas lights storage, charging stations for the golf carts, freezer and refrigerator units, a private storage area for special event equipment, and administrative staff and security offices and restrooms. He stated the location of the parking deck was convenient to the main entrance to the Zoo, closer than the existing parking decks. He stated there would be a paved access driveway for maintenance vehicles. He stated he agreed with the Board’s concern

venient to the main entrance to the Zoo, closer than the existing parking decks. He stated there would be a paved access driveway for maintenance vehicles. He stated he agreed with the Board’s concern regarding storm water management; he described the proposed underground percolating retention system. He stated the new facility would create less run-off than currently existed. Referring to Exhibit A-3, Mr. Alvarez described the proposed improvements to the Train House. He stated the proposed materials would be low maintenance with a cedar type finish to create a rustic barn look. The attraction would include an old mine shaft feature, blacksmith, sheriff office, and coalminer feature. The features would help block the view of the maintenance yard. Referring to Exhibit A-4, Mr. Alvarez stated the design of the parking garage was similar to the existing Parking Deck #2; including a glass entry level for security reasons and transparency, pre-cast aluminum railings, and galvanized architectural poles. Referring to Exhibit A-5, he stated the rendering was a view of the parking garage from across the reservoir. In response to question from Mr. Fleder, Mr. Alvarez stated the County proposed starting the improvements before the end of the year; the first improvement would be to move the train house. 5

Mr. Fleder stated there would be further testimony regarding the proposed changes to the existing driveway, currently a two-lane exit. In response to question from Mr. Fleder, Mr. Alvarez confirmed the driveway improvements would be completed prior to the new parking deck. Mr. Alvarez concluded his testimony. The Board questioned Mr. Alvarez on his testimony. Council President McCartney asked for clarification regarding the parking deck lighting, security, screening on the side of the reservoir, trash enclosures, the current footprint of the area, and the amount of land to be disturbed. Mr. Alvarez stated the first level of the parking deck would be screened on the side facing the reservoir. The parking deck would be open and visible on three sides; the stair tower would be lighted and visible. Referring to Sheet SP-3.0, Overall Site Plan, he stated the current footprint included a couple of maintenance buildings, a portion of the train tracks, the existing train house, dumpsters, refrigerator units, trash areas, and truck boxes used for storage. He noted that there was currently maintenance vehicle movement in the area. With the exception of the trash areas and greenhouse, all units would be relocated to the parking structure; the maintenance area would not be visible. He stated there would be fencing to restrict Public access to the area. He stated there would be a considerable amount of landscaping. He reiterated the location of the new train depot, the new theme structures and new path for train tracks. Captain Keigher stated he had also wanted clarification on the original footprint and the area of disturbance; he asked for further clarification regarding storm water management. Mr. Alvarez detailed the path of the sheet flow would be down to the reservoir; he stated the proposed grading was important – the area appearance would remain consistent to its current look; the water would flow in exactly the same fashion. He described how the parking structure plan would capture, retain, percolate the storm water, and control the discharge. He stated the proposed plan would discharge less storm water than currently discharged. Mr. Trenk asked for clarification regarding proposed landscaping. Mr. Alvarez stated Mr. Piga could offer testimony regarding the landscaping details. Vice Chairman Weston asked for clarification regarding the proposed plastic mesh

n regarding proposed landscaping. Mr. Alvarez stated Mr. Piga could offer testimony regarding the landscaping details. Vice Chairman Weston asked for clarification regarding the proposed plastic mesh on the west façade of the parking garage; he stated he supposed it would be similar to the screening on Northfield Avenue that included animal and athletic images. He asked if a natural green, planted wall be considered to add to the natural character of the Reservation, rather than another attraction. He opined there was a great opportunity to be environmentally sensitive without spending too much money. Mr. Alvarez stated that green walls were extremely expensive to be maintained. He stated the goal was to create an attractive and low-maintenance screen. In response, Vice Chairman suggested that a green color mesh be considered to blend in with the natural character of the reservation. Mr. Alvarez stated that the green color mesh might not look good due to size required to screen 6