PB 25 08_Planning Courtesy Review_Turtle Back Zoo

Memorandum Page 5 of 5 236 BROAD STREET, RED BANK, NJ 07701 • TEL 732.741.2900 • FAX 732.741.2929 • MAIL@HGAPA.COM • www.HGAPA.com Planning Comments: Conformance with the Township’s Master Plan 1. The Township’s 2019 Master Plan Update (Reexamination Report with Plan Element Amendments) notes 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” (p. 61). Further, “the Master Plan should continue to support economic development throughout the Township…Maintaining a balance between development and preservation remains a goal, given the limited amount of development land remaining in West Orange” (p. 15). a. The application proposes to maintain the disturbed area within the boundary of the existing African Adventure exhibit, and within the perimeter of existing emergency access/maintenance driveway, thus conforming to the vision of the Master Plan. General 2. This is a courtesy review of a site plan application, which is to be reviewed in conjunction with the Township’s Master Plan, per N.J.A.C. 40:55D-31(a) The authority of the Planning Board in this case is only to provide comments and suggestions. The Board may review applications by public entities that involve the expenditure of public funds and make comments as appropriate. 3. The applicant should provide testimony to the Board about the proposed timing of the development. 4. The applicant is encouraged to revise the submitted plans to define the subject property as Block 163, Lots 2 and 13. Impervious Improvements 5. The applicant shall confirm the total area of proposed impervious coverage for the application (i.e., includes the barn, paddocks, walkways, driveway extensions). 6. The applicant shall confirm whether the underground detention and storm drainage basins, as well as the modular block retaining wall, already exist or are proposed in relation to the exhibit upgrade. Operations 7. The applicant shall speak to any proposed changes in relation to the collection and pickup of refuse from the exhibit area. 8. The applicant shall speak about any safety measures (e.g., locks, lighting, alarm systems) to be implemented within the new barn and surrounding off-exhibit area.