September 5, 2018

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