PB-25-06 Turtle back Zoo (Gibbons Exhibit) Block: 163 Lot: 1

13. 14. 15. 16. Wes 18. 19. Renovations to the building include raising the rear portion of the roof, installing a new ceiling with lighting and skylights, and adding new mesh panels and shift gates. The winter holding space will receive new LED lighting to replace the outdated compact florescent fixtures. The Planning Board’s statutory duty pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law N.J.S.A.40:55D-31 for an application of this type is for “review and recommendation” in conjunction with the West Orange Master Plan. 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 it continued increases in annual attendance. 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 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. The current proposal involves redevelopment of existing facilities within an already developed area of the Zoo and therefore would not result in expansion of the Zoo beyond its existing boundaries. The Board finds that the proposed project and capital improvement is not contrary to the Master Plan of the Township of West Orange.