PB-25-08 Turtle back Zoo (Timber Barn) Block: 163 Lot: 1

14. 15; 16. 18. locust and will oak. Along the existing pathway, new ornamental grasses and shrubs will be planted.. . Three (3) new reed-thatch shade structures will be installed within the yard.. The conceptual plan shows the construction of a timber barn that is approximately 4,992 S.F. and the creation of two off exhibits totaling 1,600 S.F. with an overall proposed impervious coverage of 13,917 S.F. or .32 acres. The proposed improvements result in impervious coverage that triggers NJDEP stormwater management rules N.J.A.C. 7:8 and the Township’s stormwater control ordinance which exceeds the 5,000 S.F. threshold for a Major Development under Chapter 25, Section 29 that was adopted in May 2025. The Applicant’s engineer testified that they will comply with all State DEP requirements for stormwater management. 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