Turtle Back Zoo Resolution 9 7 2022

11. Six trees that are approximately eight inches (8”) in diameter will be removed and five new trees will be planted along with enhanced landscaping with plants native to the Komodo Dragon’s natural habitat and more traditional landscaping on the alligator side of the exhibit. 12. The alligator building will be eighteen and a half (18 ½ ‘) feet high and will have a pitched and flat roof. The Komodo Dragon building will be the same height as the alligator building but will have a pitched roof. 13. The doors proposed on both exhibits are secure and designed to ensure that the animals can not get out of their designated areas. 14. The Planning Board’s statutory duty pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law §40:55D-31 for an application of this type is for “review and recommendation” in conjunction with the West Orange Master Plan. 15. The Township’s 2019 Master Plan Update provides an overview of the changes to the Zoo and adjacent County facilities since 2010, as well as notes its continued increases in annual attendance. 16. 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.