nonprofit restoration and city dispute of tax status

[patrick_riley]

is a dispute over taxation and tax status between a municipality and a non-profit group who are attempting to restore a movie theatre which has been declared of historical significance a proper subject for pro bono aid ?

this is in New Jersey

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I'm not sure if I understand your question -- pro bono is provided by attorneys, not a right. I don't think that requesting pro bono assistance is out of line, but you might find that there are others that are in more urgent need of pro bono assistance. I would think that an attorney in the district would volunteer assistance.

 

[jmacgregor]

You should know that law in NJ re: property tax exemption holds that unless a property is currently being used for its tax-exempt activities, it is taxable.
Example: a tax-exempt group is rehabilitating an old structure to be used as a homeless shelter. During the period of the rehab, the property is taxable. It is not until after it is in use as a homeless shelter that the property will be deemed exempt from property taxes.