The Riviera to replace blighted New Jersey parcel.

Officials with SSJ Development, LLC. recently announced the redevelopment of a blighted, two-acre parcel at Lafayette Street in the City of Cape May, turning a dilapidated lot into a luxury community of duplex townhomes known as "The Riviera[R] at Cape May."

The redeveloper is seeking preliminary site plan approval from the Cape May Planning Board for the construction of four buildings, each comprising six units of one, two or three-bedroom duplex townhomes. Prices are expected to begin at $650,000. The lot, located at 801 Lafayette St., was the former home of Vance's Bar.

"This property is a hidden gem," said Stephen S. Jemal, president of SSJ Development, LLC. "It is located between two parks. The rear of the property overlooks Cape Island Creek, which is a bird migration area. It is the perfect location for us to expand The Riviera[R] brand."

The location has ideal views for spotting scores of birds and butterflies throughout the seasons as they migrate. The meadows to the west of The Riviera[R] at Cape May are prime for observing dozens of egrets gather during their annual migration from March until September.

Jemal said residents of the development are guaranteed to always have parkland and an environmental reserve surrounding their property. He said his designers have capitalized on this setting, noting he will be constructing white picket fences, playgrounds and a pool as well as repairing the baseball field, repaving the tennis and basketball courts and undertaking other improvements to the parks, which are open to the public.

The luxury duplex townhomes will be located a quarter mile away from Washington Street, which is the well-known outdoor antique shopping area in Cape May. Residents are also within easy walking distance to the beach.

"Each unit will have an outside shower, so residents can just grab a towel and head to the beach," Jemal said. "It will be a beautiful place to live."

He expects the project will receive its municipal approvals in the fall and that construction will begin over the winter. The first residents are expected to move in by fall 2006.

According to the plans, the redevelopment will be designed in a Victorian style to blend with the historical communities of the City of Cape May. Each home will offer a spacious living room with a fireplace and balcony views to the preserved wetlands. A large restaurant style kitchen will open to the dining and living rooms allowing for relaxed, casual entertaining. All master bedroom suites will include an oversized bathroom, walk-in closet and private balcony.

The Riviera[R] has been designed to require minimum maintenance and to maximize rental income for the owner who chooses to engage in seasonal rental activity. Parking will be on the ground floor of the buildings, providing easy, sheltered access to the units.

"The plans are just the first step in our redevelopment efforts to give all Cape May residents tax relief and a revitalized neighborhood they can be proud of," Jemal said. "We hope our plan for The Riviera[R] at Cape May encourages other waterfront developers in New Jersey to build stronger communities and to keep our shore areas beautiful."