PB 25 08_Planning Courtesy Review_Turtle Back Zoo

Memorandum 236 BROAD STREET, RED BANK, NJ 07701 • TEL 732.741.2900 • FAX 732.741.2929 • MAIL@HGAPA.COM • www.HGAPA.com TO: Township of West Orange Planning Board FROM: Malvika Apte, PP, AICP, Township Consulting Planner Megan Adam, AICP Candidate, Associate Planner RE: 560 Northfield Avenue (Turtle Back Zoo) Block 163, Lots 2 and 13 Courtesy Review for Proposed Hoofstock Barn DATE: October 31, 2025 _____________________________________________________________________________________________ As requested, we have reviewed the following materials: • Township of West Orange Planning Board Application, dated August 25, 2025, with an attached addendum outlining the property’s previous applications to the Planning Board; • Cover Letter for the Proposal, prepared by French & Parrello Associates, and dated August 29, 2025; • Aerial Map for the Proposed Hoofstock Barn at the Turtle Back Zoo, prepared by French & Parrello Associates, and dated August 25, 2025; • Conceptual Site Plan for the Proposed Hoofstock Barn at the Turtle Back Zoo, prepared by French & Parrello Associates, and dated May 17, 2025; • Architectural Floor Plan and Rendering prepared by Comito Associates, P.C., undated; and • Memorandum for the Proposed Hoofstock Barn at the Turtle Back Zoo, prepared by Zayibeth Carballo, PE, PLS, PP, CME, CFM, Township of West Orange Department of Engineering Director and Municipal Engineer, dated October 9, 2025. Site Description The subject property includes sections of the 77-acre Lot 2 and 23-acre Lot 13 of Block 163, which are owned by Essex County. Collectively, the property, located at 560 Northfield Avenue, contains approximately 2,265’ of street frontage and is developed with buildings and habitats of the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. The zoo also extends onto neighboring Lot 1 of Block 161. See the aerial map on page 3 of this memorandum, which outlines the lot boundaries. The Turtle Back Zoo hosts a wide array of animal exhibits, including giraffes, penguins, lions, wallabies, jaguars, stingrays, and more. Attractions include a zoo train, carousel, and playground. Additional developments on Lot 13 include the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, which hosts the Essex Skating Club of NJ and the NJ Devils Youth Hockey Club, as well as a parking deck for Essex County’s Park ‘N Ride system, and an education center affiliated with the Turtle Back

which hosts the Essex Skating Club of NJ and the NJ Devils Youth Hockey Club, as well as a parking deck for Essex County’s Park ‘N Ride system, and an education center affiliated with the Turtle Back Zoo. Sections of the subject