PB 24 18 560 Northfield Avenue Turtle Back Zoo West Orange Planner Report 10 17 2024

October 17, 2024 Page 2 of 4 PB-24-18 560 Northfield Avenue – Turtle Back Zoo Block 163, Lot 1 105 Grove Street, Suite 3, Montclair, NJ 07042 ∙ Phone: (973) 954-2677 ∙ www.NishuaneGroup.com Project Summary On property located in the Township’s R-1 (One-Family Dwellings on 80,000 square foot lots) District, the applicant, Essex County proposes to make renovations to an existing deck pathway system for the Australian Outback Exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo. The proposed deck system will consist of a 10-foot-wide ADA-compliant ramp, a small observation deck area, a large concrete observation area and connections to different existing active areas. Variances Required: None. This application is before this 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 development proposals to the municipal planning board for its review and recommendation related to the municipal master plan. Project Description The subject site is located within the Turtle Back Zoo compound, which abuts the South Mountain Reservation and is located to the east of the intersection of Northfield Avenue and Pleasant Valley Way. The applicant proposes to make renovations to an existing deck pathway system for the Australian Outback Exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo. This exhibit is located to the east of the main entry to the Zoo, on the eastern side of the compound. The proposed deck system will consist of a 10-foot-wide ADA compliant ramp, a small observation deck area, a large concrete observation area and connections to different existing active areas. The decking will consist of a composite plank, and the handrails will be ADA compliant. Proposed ADA amenities will include ornamental benches, ornamental trash receptacles, chain link fencing, signage, a plaza area with space for vendors, two rustic shade canopies for the animals of the Australian Outback exhibit and increasing the gate entry into the existing prehistoric playground. There will be multiple access points to the renovated deck pathway system. The pathway connects to the main pathway, the petting farm, the Australian Outback Aviary and the prehistoric playground. While guests are walking on the proposed deck system, they will have the opportunity to rest at the proposed concrete plaza and at the small deck area.