PB 21-07C Turtle Back Zoo Asian Exhibit -Resolution (Adopted)

4, The Planning Board’s statutory duty pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law at N.J.S.A. 40:55D-31a for applications of this type is for “review and recommendation” in conjunction with the West Orange Master Plan. 5. The Township’s 2019 Master Plan Update provides an overview of changes to the Zoo and adjacent County facilities since 2010, as well as notes its continued increases in annual attendance. 6. A concern was raised in the Master Plan Update about maintaining a balance between preservation and recreation in South Mountain Reservation. While acknowledging the benefits to West Orange of the County’s investment in this facility, the following is noted on page 61 of the December 2019 draft Master Plan Update: [T]here are concerns about the amount of development in the Reservation, and the transformation of formerly open areas into active recreation space and zoo facilities. The Township should continue to work with Essex County to allow for appropriate development without overwhelming what makes the South Mountain Reservation a special place. ua The current proposal appears to be limited to redevelopment within already an already developed area of the Zoo. 8. The Board finds that the proposed projects and capital improvements are not contrary to the Master Plan of the Township of West Orange. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Board of the Township of West Orange that it finds that the proposed project and capital improvements are not inconsistent with the Township of West Orange Updated Master Plan. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Planning Board of the Township of West Orange that the following recommendations have been made to the County of Essex, via letter dated August 20, 2021, in connection with this application: ¢ The Board asks that the County submit a Final Site Plan;