Plg Dir Memo Dated 9 2 22 PB 22 09C Essex County TBZ Komodo Alligator Exhibit

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 1 www.westorange.org TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE 66 MAIN STREET, WEST ORANGE, N.J. 07052 Department of Planning and Development ROBERT D. PARISI Tel: (973) 325-4110 Mayor Fax: (973) 325-6359 Email: planning@westorange.org TO: Planning Board Members FROM: Paul Grygiel, AICP, PP, Planning Director DATE: September 2, 2022 RE: PB-22-09C/County of Essex/Turtle Back Zoo/American Alligator & Komodo Dragon Exhibits Block: 163; Lot: 1; Zone: R-1 560 Northfield Avenue Courtesy Review of Proposed Improvements INTRODUCTION/LAND USE The applicant is proposing to replace the existing Aquarium and the American Alligator Exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo with a new American Alligator Exhibit and a Komodo Dragon Exhibit. The renovations will include two new buildings and outdoor habitat areas, walkways, seating and landscaping. The site is located in the R-1 Zone and abuts South Mountain Reservation, which spans several municipalities. To the east of the site in West Orange is a residential neighborhood. There are commercial uses located on the north side of Northfield Avenue, with residential uses further north and to the west. VARIANCES REQUIRED None. The applicant is appearing before the Planning Board pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law at N.J.S.A. 40:55D-31a, which requires public agencies expending public funds to refer

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 2 www.westorange.org development proposals to the municipal planning board for its review and recommendation related to the municipal master plan. SUBMISSIONS SUBMISSION ITEM SIGNED BY DATE/REVISION Aerial Map Michael J. Piga, LLA, French & Parrello Associates 11/15/19 Landscape Plan French & Parrello Associates (Unsigned) 8/1/22 Rendering Comito Associates PC (Unsigned) Not dated Floor Plans French & Parrello Associates and Comito Associates PC (Unsigned) 8/30/22 DISCUSSION The applicant is proposing to replace the existing Aquarium and the American Alligator Exhibit located in the central section of the Zoo, just east of the Sea Lion Exhibit. The specific new facilities included in this proposal are: • American Alligator building • Komodo Dragon building • Alligator outdoor exhibit • Komodo Dragon outdoor area • Entry sign • Concrete walkways • Pool equipment building • Landscaped areas • Fencing • Rustic composite benches The new buildings are one story in height, although exact building heights have not been provided.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 3 www.westorange.org 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. 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. A concern is 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: However, there 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 already an already developed area of the Zoo, and therefore would not result in expansion of the Zoo beyond its existing boundaries. Therefore, the proposal is not inconsistent with the Master Plan.