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

July 29,2025 Page 4 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 Planning Considerations The Planning Board’s statutory duty pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law at N.J.S.A. 40:55D-31a for applications of this type is for “review and recommendation” in conjunction with the West Orange Master Plan. West Orange’s most recent Master Plan Update was adopted in 2019. This Update provided an overview of changes to the Turtle back Zoo and adjacent County facilities since the 2010 Master Plan Update. The 2019 Update also noted the continued increased in attendance over the period. The 2019 Master Plan Update noted in the Plan Element Amendments, Section VII - Open Space and Recreation, that Essex County has substantial open space in West Orange, and as such, “…the County and Township need to continue to work together regarding the future use of these lands.” The Update went on to recognize that “Essex County has made the Turtle Back Zoo and surrounding attractions into a major attraction, which is a resource for Township residents and visitors and an economic development engine for West Orange.” However, the 2019 Update also noted that, “… there 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 Updated concluded that, “… 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.” Planner’s Comments The application currently before the Board proposes the revitalization/upgrade and enhancement of existing facilities within the Turtle Back Zoo. It does not propose any expansion of the facility beyond its current area. As indicated above, the Township Master Plan recognizes the need for maintenance, upgrade and enhancements to the existing facility as a necessary part of its operations. As such, in my opinion, the proposed project is consistent with the stated goals and objectives of the Township’s Master Plan. Recommendations 1. None