November 6, 2024 Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes

PB-24-18 Essex County/Turtle Back Zoo Block: 163 Lot: 1 Zone: R-1 560 Northfield Avenue The applicant, Essex County, proposes to make renovations to an existing deck pathway system for the Australian Outback Exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo. PRESENTATION The attorney, Mark Fleder, introduced the landscape architect, Michael Piga. The landscape architect Mr. Michael Piga entered on the record, he was sworn under oath and his credentials were accepted by the board. He testified to the following: Mr. Piga intends to enlarge it to accommodate larger strollers and everything of that nature. The boardwalk will be handicap accessible, ADA compliant. It will allow people to go from a lower portion of the zoo up to the petting zoo. The project will not involve any enlargement of the buildings or structures. There will be some trees removed, but they will be replacing them. There are 9 trees to be removed and 9 trees will be installed in their place. Mr. Piga displays the current boardwalk system but states the area is congested and does not meet ADA compliance. The boardwalk will be kept in the same location but they will be making it wider. Currently it is 5 feet wide, now they are attempting to make it 10 feet wider. All boardwalk area will be ADA compliant. A secondary decking connected to the boardwalk will allow people to stop and look at the Australian animals. There is a connection to the existing prehistoric playground. They will be keeping the plaza area but upgrading it to allow the new boardwalk to go into the exhibit and opening it up. Other landscaping will be installed to compliment the Australian outback, such as different types of trees to blend in with the Australian outback aspect. It will take 5 months to complete the project. BOARD QUESTIONS Mr. Guarino asked if is there is going to be a change in the type of material that they will be using in the new boardwalk layout. The architect said no; right now, they have tracks as a boardwalk and they will put track in its place. Mr. Guarino asked are they moving the trees into a new place or replacing the trees with 9 new trees. The architect said 9 new trees. Mr. Guarino asked will the trees be well grown and be able to survive the upcoming weather changes. The architect answer in the affirmative. Mr. Guarino asked is there any railings around the walkway. The architect said yes,

e trees be well grown and be able to survive the upcoming weather changes. The architect answer in the affirmative. Mr. Guarino asked is there any railings around the walkway. The architect said yes, there is a railing and it is ADA compliant and has the graspable handrail. Mr. Guarino asked how many entrances are there. The architect said the access points are one from the main pathway, a second one up in the petting zoo area and one into the actual Australian outback. These pathways all convene in the plaza area. Lastly, there is an access point that goes into the prehistoric playground. Mr. Guarino asked if there will be any lighting on the walkway. The architect said no; he said that there was no lighting intended and there was no lighting there before. Mayor McCartney asked is it possible to relocate the trees if they are healthy trees. The