Board backs Green Acres application for Turtle Back Zoo hoofstock barn

The Essex County Board approved the county’s submission of a Green Acres Park Development Program application to fund a new hoofstock barn at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange.

Joshua Yates, business manager for the county Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs, told the board the project would remain inside the zoo’s fenced footprint and would cost about $4,204,798 for the building (design, construction, installation and contingencies) with a total project cost of $7,881,723, citing a bid from Tyspakis Enterprises Inc. He said the site is within an "adversely stressed overburdened community" and that, because the county sponsors the application, the project is eligible for full scope Green Acres funding; historically Green Acres grants require county or partner match and Yates said realistic expectation is partial funding and partnership with the Zoological Society for the remainder.

Yates described mitigation measures required by NJDEP and the county’s environmental impact assessment: silt fencing, erosion controls, staging and tree replacement for any healthy trees removed. He said the facility will improve veterinary care on site, increase space for breeding and create accessible recreation and education opportunities for families, seniors and visitors with limited mobility.

Commissioners asked about the project footprint, tree removal and timeline. Yates said there will be "some minimal tree removal" (diseased or decaying trees to be replaced) and the county expects to begin construction in the spring with potential completion by year‑end dependent on weather and permitting. After closing the public hearing, the board approved the application by roll call.