Iconic Cape May Beachfront Property Listed for $1 Million

CAPE MAY, N.J. — A coveted beachfront property along 610 Beach Avenue in Cape May is now for sale with an asking price of $1 million. The 8.17-acre site, which has no existing structures, has faced challenges in the past for potential development due to state restrictions on construction beyond the bulkhead. City attorney Christopher Gillin-Schwartz assured that public access to the property is secured under a city agreement, meaning the land will remain "open, undeveloped, and in its natural condition." This agreement ensures that the property will stay as an open beach for residents and visitors alike. For decades, the land was owned by Robert Stevens Fite, a prominent local businessman who passed away last year. Fite was known for operating The Colonial Hotel and Motel, now The Inn of Cape May and The Avondale, located directly across from the beach. While the property is assessed at over $800,000, with a tax bill exceeding $8,000 annually, it offers an opportunity for future potential owners to consider its use for non-commercial purposes. This stretch of beach, with a path through the dunes to the Promenade, remains an iconic part of Cape May’s coastline, though its future remains uncertain. The city has placed efforts to ensure public beach access, and any new owner would need to maintain that access according to established agreements with the municipality.