PB-19-08C-WOPB TBZ Signed Conservation Pavillion Resolution AND Memo

Michael Piga, L.A., of French & Parello was sworn and qualified as a landscape architect. He testified as to the proposed improvements. He also submitted a letter to the Board dated December 4, 2019 describing the improvements which include constructing a 500 seat amphitheatre at the rear of the zoo property behind the existing penguin exhibit. The proposed project would carve out 1.5 acres from the natural woodlands of the South Mountain Reservation and require removing 135 trees. 270 replacement trees would be planted. The amphitheater, referred to as a “Conservation Pavilion” by the Applicant, will consist of audience seating, a stage, an indoor habitat area, an outdoor habitat area, an animal run, a control booth and a stand-alone rest room building. The Conservation Pavilion will have African themed accents on the audience side, the fagade consisting of faux natural stone, bamboo and faux wood accents. The stage will be covered by an aluminum shell. The stage will have lighting and LED screens. The stage will be used only for educational purposes with shows designed to educate the public especially school children. Kate Hartwyck the Deputy Director of the Essex County Park System testified that the purpose of the application was to fulfill the zoo’s educational mission. Michael Kerr the Director of the Turtle Back Zoo testified that the small animals used on stage for educational programming would be desensitized so they would more easily accept their on stage presence. There was widespread concern by some of the public about the application. Chief among the issues raised by those who opposed the application was the taking of1.5 acres of woodland from the Olmstead designed public park, the type of