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