PB 24 20 ESSEX COUNTY TB ZOO Lemur Exhibit Engineer Review

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER www.westorange.org 2 D. Correspondence prepared by French & Parrello Associates (Michael J. Piga, LLA); and E. Township’s Board Application and associated documents. I. INTRODUCTION The subject site is located along the Northeasterly side of Northfield Avenue and located within the Township’s Residential (R-1) Zone District and abuts South Mountain Reservation. The Applicant is proposing to renovate the existing Sealion Exhibit Area to house lemurs and tortoises for these animals to swing freely and interact with the surrounding environment. In addition, the proposal includes four visitor viewing areas with associated stainless steel netting system, educational signage, benches and trash receptacles while connecting to other existing active areas. II. VARIANCE 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 development proposals to the municipal planning board for its review and recommendation related to the municipal master plan. III. SITE PLAN The proposal is basically the redevelopment of an existing already disturbed area of the Zoo that will benefit visitors by providing them with the opportunity to explore lemurs and tortoise habitat and interaction with the environment in a renovated exhibit area without the expansion of the zoo’s existing boundaries and consistent with the Master Plan.