New Jersey Assembly Bill A2313

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Establishes program authorizing lease of historic buildings and structures in State parks, forests, and wildlife management areas.

Impact

If enacted, A2313 will significantly impact the management and utilization of historic sites within New Jersey's state-preserved lands. By enabling leases for these historic structures, the bill aims to ensure that they are maintained and utilized effectively, which could lead to enhanced public access and appreciation of state heritage. Additionally, qualifying tax-exempt nonprofit organizations will have the opportunity to sublease these historic properties, which promotes community engagement and stewardship of local heritage sites.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2313 seeks to establish a program that allows the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to lease historic buildings and structures located on state-preserved lands such as parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. The bill outlines that the DEP will create application procedures for potential lessees, which will include requirements for demonstrating financial resources to maintain the properties, as well as the conditions under which maintenance work must be pre-approved by the DEP and comply with specific historical preservation standards.

Contention

Notably, there may be concerns raised regarding how such leasing arrangements might affect public access to these historic sites and whether private entities could prioritize profit over preservation. There are also discussions about the potential implications for funding and resources, as maintenance work funded by public moneys will still be subject to certain regulatory provisions. The balance between preserving historical integrity while allowing for adaptive reuse of these properties is likely to be a key point of contention as discussions around the bill progress.