40:60-49.1. Lease of cultural centers; exemption of leasehold interest from taxation

The governing body of any city of the first class may lease any cultural center to a nonprofit corporation organized pursuant to Title 15 of the Revised Statutes, Corporations and Associations not for Profit, to conduct such center. Any such lease (a) shall be for a term not exceeding 50 years; (b) shall provide for a term rental, payable in such installments as may be agreed upon, at least equal to the acquisition cost of the leased premises if acquired by the governing body within the 5-year period next preceding the making of such lease, or at least equal to the appraised value of the leased premises if acquired more than 5 years prior to the making of the lease; (c) shall limit the primary use of the leased premises to purposes of a cultural center, with provision for the subletting or licensing of space not adapted to or required for such primary use; (d) shall provide that the leased premises shall be available generally to the public, upon reasonable terms and conditions, and that the lessee shall not discriminate in the use of the property on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion or ancestry; and (e) shall make such other provisions respecting the leased premises and the conditions of letting as the governing body may prescribe, including the grant of a purchase option or options.

Notwithstanding the provision of any law governing the taxation of leasehold interests in exempt real property, the leasehold estate of any lessee or sublessee or other lawful tenant or occupant of the premises constituting all or part of a cultural center so leased shall be exempt from taxation by any municipality or county or by the State and its political divisions.

L.1962, c. 86, s. 2.