Cottage seeks tax exemption
Continuing a saga that began in 2001, Cottage Club went before the New Jersey State Supreme Court on Tuesday to argue for exemption from property taxes on the grounds that its Prospect Avenue clubhouse is a historic site.This latest court date comes as Cottage appeals the Appellate Division of the Superior Court's July ruling in favor of Princeton Borough that the 1903 McKim, Mead & White mansion should not be granted tax exemption because it is not open to the general public.When the court issues its final decision, it will likely be the final chapter in a dispute that has dragged on for more than half a decade.Though the Borough's lawyers argue that a Cottage win would be bad public policy, justices hearing the case seemed to favor the club's legal argument, the Times of Trenton reported."It has always been the club's position that they are entitled to tax exemption based on the law," Cottage attorney Thomas Olson said, noting that he was confident the Supreme Court would rule in favor of his client.Borough attorney Michael Herbert did not return requests for comment. 'The Cottage Club Bill'Olson argues that Cottage's status as both a historical and nonprofit organization makes it eligible for a property tax exemption.Under New Jersey law, properties listed on the state and national registers of historical places do not necessarily qualify for tax exemption.