PB 25 06 560 Northfield Avenue Gibbons Exhibit Turtle Back Zoo Planner Report 7 29 2025

July 29,2025 Page 2 of 4 PB-25-06 – Gibbons Exhibit 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 at the Turtle Back Zoo. The scope of work will include interior modifications to the existing viewing area, with new pathway paving, informational signage and fencing. Renovations to the existing building will also be done, including raising the rear portion of the roof, installation of new LED lighting to replace older fluorescent fixtures. 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 recommendations 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 the existing Gibbons Exhibit. The proposed project will involve the installation of new brick pavers arranged in a basketweave pattern, a new glass wall, and updated glass panels for the existing viewing area, along with informational signage framed by bamboo fencing. Inside the exhibit, two new three-tiered platforms for the gibbons will be introduced—one measuring 10-feet by 10-feet and the other 6-feet by 6-feet. Both platforms will rise 18-feet above the finished ground level, each topped with an Asian-inspired open-roof structure supported by a powder-coated metal frame. The current stainless steel oxidized netting will be replaced with a similar material. The landscaping will also be revitalized to improve the exhibit's aesthetics and offer visitors various vantage points to observe the gibbons. Additionally, the existing interior gibbon habitat building will be extended at the rear, measuring 6-feet by 21-feet (approximately 125-SF), to provide extra den space and a training area. Renovations will include raising the rear portion of the roof, installing a new ceiling equipped with lighting and skylights, and adding new mesh panels and shift gates. The winter holding area will be upgraded with new LED lighting, replacing the older compact

, installing a new ceiling equipped with lighting and skylights, and adding new mesh panels and shift gates. The winter holding area will be upgraded with new LED lighting, replacing the older compact fluorescent fixtures.