JUNE 29, 2017
WISHING YOU a relaxing and fun-filled Independence Day! Whether you're on the beach, barbequing with family, or entertaining friends, best wishes to you & yours from me!
JULY 4TH WEEKEND is always a big one at the beach, and this year many are making a four-day weekend of it. Two big fireworks shows are planned this year. Stone Harbor will put on its fireworks display Sunday, July 2nd at the 96th Street beach at dusk. Avalon's fireworks display will take place on Tuesday, July 4th on the 30th Street beach at dusk. Numerous other activities are planned all weekend, with some beginning as early as Thursday evening. See below for a list of events!
Numerous other activities are planned all weekend, with some beginning as early as Thursday
evening. See below for a list of events!
TURTLE TIME! Yes, it's still the season for diamondback terrapin turtles to cross local roads as they seek higher ground on which to lay eggs. Turtle barriers along some roadways help reduce the number of turtles killed by vehicles, but numerous deaths still occur. Volunteers are often able to harvest unhatched eggs, incubate them, and then release the baby turtles once they are large enough to survive in the wild. You can help out by slowing down and avoiding turtles crossing the road. If you stop to help a turtle across the road, carefully move it in the direction it was going, and be sure to watch out for other vehicle traffic.
Turtles are everywhere at this time of year--including kids' crab traps! This one stopped to snack
on a bunker, commonly used as bait for crabs. The turtle was immediately released unharmed.
GOOD FISHING REPORTS continue to come in. Flounder continue to be caught in large numbers in the bays and inlets, with many sizable keepers being reported. Offshore tuna action has started with yellowfin tuna being caught in the canyons and some inshore lumps. Surf fishermen have also reported good action on beaches and jetties.
LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS had a busy Sunday afternoon. A car fire broke out in Avalon on 19th Street, destroying the car and damaging an adjacent home. In Wildwood Crest a Bayfront home caught fire, and flames spread to the home next door. Both fires sent plumes of black smoke into the air, and were visible up and down the beach.
ROCKY THE SIBERIAN TIGER was euthanized last weekend at the Cape May County Zoo, at age 16. Rocky was born in 2001 and sent to the Cape May County Zoo and became a media favorite, appearing on morning television shows and in the New York Times. In 2014 he battled cancer and multiple surgeries, but it was the failure of his hips and hind legs recently that led to his demise. Rocky was among the most recognizable animals at the Cape May County Zoo, having been a resident his entire life. There are dozens of other magnificent animals at the Zoo--one of Cape May County's treasures! The Zoo is free; a donation is requested.
IMAGINE HOW MUCH FUN IT WOULD BE to have your own place at the shore! Make memories--every weekend! If you're ready to begin your search for the perfect shore home, call or email me today. Whether you're looking for a getaway condo, a rental property, or your own palace on the beach, I'll listen to your needs and help you find the right place!
JUNE 22, 2017
MARKET STATS: Sales remain strong in the local market, with steady demand and reduced inventory of homes for sale. 188 properties sold through the first five months of the year, up from 139 during the first five months of last year. This year's average sale price is $1,568,464, up 20.0% over last year. This year's median sale price is $1,157,500, up 5.2%.
Summer's here! Are you ready?
EXPENSIVE--BUT WORTH IT! Avalon and Stone Harbor both made NJ.com's list of the 20 New Jersey towns with the highest percentage of million dollar homes. Per the article, Avalon has 2,771 homes (51.9% of its properties) assessed at $1 million or more. Stone Harbor has 1,667 homes (57.4% of its properties) assessed at $1 million or more.
View The Full List: 20 N.J. Towns With The Highest Percentage Of Million Dollar Homes
THE 96TH STREET BRIDGE REPAIRS have been completed, meaning no more overnight closures. The completion of the $700,000 project allows the bridge to carry a full 40 tons; the bridge had been restricted to 15 tons during repair work.
OCEAN DRIVE STRIPING: Portions of Ocean Drive in Avalon will be restriped this month, including 7th Street to 28th Street, and 62nd Street to 80th Street. The striping work is weather dependent and will only take a few hours; no long term lane closures will be necessary.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL, ANYONE? Avalon's 30th Street beach now features two volleyball nets. Stop by and play whenever they're open!
BEACH MOVIES are back again this year, beginning Tuesday, June 27th in Avalon, on the 30th Street beach, with a showing of the animated movie “Sing”. Other upcoming showings include Star Wars Rogue One, Secret Life of Pets, Jaws, and Jurassic World.
THE STONE HARBOR FARMER'S MARKET is back every Sunday through Labor Day, under the water tower at 95th & Second Avenue. More than 30 vendors are at the market from 8am to 12:30pm each Sunday; stop by and check out their offerings!
IMPRESSIVE FISHING REPORTS continue, with limits regularly being reached. Some of the more exceptional flounder catches include a 25-inch, 5.5 pounder weighed in at Strathmere's Whale Creek Marina, and a 22-inch, 3.76-pounder weighed in at Avalon Hodge Podge. Offshore action is beginning to pick up with reports of tuna in the canyons and other offshore locations.
JUNE 15, 2017
IT FEELS LIKE SUMMER! After cool weather much of the spring, a recent spike in temperatures has it feeling like summer again. Temperatures were in the 90s several days this week, but are expected to fall back to the 70s for the weekend. In case you're wondering, the ocean water temperature is already a delightful 70 degrees!
IS THE BRIDGE OPEN YET? Maybe by July 4th! The Townsend's Inlet Bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic while undergoing emergency repairs since a crack in its structure was discovered during an April inspection. Residents and visitors on both sides of the bridge are anxious for it to reopen. After weeks of repair work from aboard a barge stationed next to the bridge, officials say they are hoping to have the bridge reopened by the July 4th weekend if things go as planned. Having the bridge open helps businesses and visitors in Avalon and Sea Isle City by saving a twenty-minute ride "the long way around!"
HABITAT ReSTORE OPEN IN CMCH: Habitat for Humanity opened its ReStore in Cape May Court House last week at 20 Court House-South Dennis Road, offering building materials and household items for resale. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. If you have gently used household items in good condition, consider donating them to the store for resale. Items may be donated to the store during business hours, or a free pick up service is offered for larger items. Call 609-463-0244 or visit Habitat for Humanity Cape May County for details.
Looking for lunch...an egret makes his way toward a small pond in the marsh behind Avalon.
AVALON HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S Photography Competition winners and other entries will be on display at the Avalon History Center through Tuesday, June 27th. Stop by the History Center to view not only the photography, but the Avalon artifacts in the museum's collection. For info on the Avalon Historical Society's upcoming Olde House Tour, plus a talk on railroads in Avalon, see the event list below!
MAKE A SUMMER BUCKET LIST! What's on your "I wanna do it!" list this summer? Perhaps you want to catch a sunrise on the beach? Catch a fish with your grandchild? Climb to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse? Whatever is on your Summer Bucket List, set aside some time and make a point of doing it!
SELLING AT THE SHORE: Vol. 1 No. 1 is here! "I've created this comprehensive 32-page guide to help my clients make the best decisions in today's fast moving real estate market'. - RJ Soens
View Online | Order Your Free Copy
JUNE 8, 2017
7 MILE RESTAURANT WEEK runs through Sunday, June 11th. Enjoy the last few days of the promotion-try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite! Check out your options:
Participating Restaurants - 7 Mile Island Restaurant Week
A 537-POUND mako shark was weighed in at Canyon Club Marina in Cape May last weekend. Another Wildwood-based boat landed a 293-pound thresher shark. That's some good fishing, just in time for the South Jersey Shark Tournament, which begins Thursday the 8th and runs through Saturday.
BOATERS IN NEW JERSEY are required to have a boating safety certificate in their possession while operating a vessel in New Jersey waters. Find a boating safety class near you:
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Class Finder
Sunrise along the beach: golden light reflects off the surf and sand.
RESIDENT'S DAY: Cape May County residents can take advantage of free admission to several attractions in Cape May on Sunday, June 11th, thanks to the Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities Community Day, sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank. Proof of residency gets you free admission to the Cape May Lighthouse, the World War II lookout tower, the Emlen Physick Estate, or a trolley tour through historic Cape May. Bring one of the following to prove your residency: driver's license, voter registration card, passport, or a utility bill. Children under age 18 need not prove residency, but must be accompanied by an eligible adult.
NEED A FUN, educational camp for your child this summer? Check out the variety of programs offered by the Wetlands Institute. Kids from 4 through 13 can attend various camps and learn about fish, mammals, shore birds, weather, and habitats, with programs for older kids including field trips and beach days. Programs run weekly in July and August.
Learn More - Wetlands Institute Summer Nature Program
JUNE 1, 2017
7 MILE RESTAURANT WEEK comes to Avalon & Stone Harbor Monday, June 5th through Sunday, June 11th. Nearly 50 local restaurants will offer breakfast & lunch specials, and three-course dinners for $30.17. It's a perfect opportunity to try that new place you've heard about, or return to an old favorite!
Participating Restaurants - 7 Mile Island Restaurant Week
AVALON LIFEGUARD TEST: Avalon will hold its annual lifeguard tests on Saturday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 10th at 10am on the 32nd Street beach. Do you have what it takes?
Test Information & Other Requirements - Avalon Beach Patrol Lifeguard Tests
THE MONTH OF JUNE brings out the best of the shore, but with smaller crowds! As the weather gets nicer and the ocean warms up, you'll have fun on the beach, fishing, or playing golf, and you'll be able to get a table at your favorite restaurant, too! If you can, spend some time here on the Island before the peak of the season!
Blue skies and puffy white clouds make it feel like summer!
FLOOD INSURANCE REVIEW: If you need to take a look at your flood insurance coverage, be sure to attend a free seminar at the Stone Harbor Library from 1-3pm on Saturday, June 17th. From the latest regulations to foundation vents, David Sonner from Land and Sea Services Flood Mitigation and Sam Wierman from Ide Insurance Agency will cover a variety of topics. Be sure to bring your flood elevation certificate for a free review.
More Information and RSVP - NFIP Flood Insurance Seminar
MARY LEE has a friend! Mary Lee, a 16-foot great white shark, was tagged off Massachusetts several years ago, and has frequented the waters off the Jersey coast many times since. But recently a second tagged great white named Cisco, who measures just under 9 feet in length, was located in the waters off Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Both sharks' travels have been documented on Facebook, as well as by traditional media. While following their whereabouts is fascinating, they are both many miles offshore, and thus, far away from beachgoers.
DID YOU KNOW that Long & Foster clients benefit from an array of one-stop services, including mortgages, title insurance, and homeowner's insurance? Whether you need to refinance your mortgage or update your insurance coverage, let me put you in touch with an expert. Of course, if you're ready to buy, sell, or rent, please call me!
MAY 25, 2017
MARKET STATS: Strong demand led to 42 sales in the month of April, up 31% over last April according to the latest Market Minute report from Long & Foster. Available inventory has continued to decline as sales have whittled down the number of active listings.
View the April 2017 Long & Foster Market Minute Report
Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report!
THE ROASTED BEAT: We are so excited to be supporting The Roasted Beat. This local new magazine celebrates the people of Avalon & Stone Harbor. This old-school, black & white newspaper style publication features articles about the arts, photography, stories and local happenings. All proceeds, less the cost of printing and distribution, go to the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund which helps local Cape May County families who have a child or young adult with cancer. The first issue (shown below) will be mailed to all homeowners on Seven Mile Island at their primary address. However, you can find additional copies at our office at 30th and Dune Drive. Although our team is always talking real estate, we also enjoy the stories, laughter, the memories and everything in between about the place we all love so much; Seven Mile Island. Cheers to Summer 2017!
BEACH PROJECT ADVANCING: Last week beach replenishment operations ended on Avalon's north-end beaches, and the project transitioned to its final phase in southern Avalon and northern Stone Harbor. During this part of the project a submerged pipeline will carry sand pumped from Townsend's Inlet beneath the ocean, before returning to a landing zone on the 84th Street beach. About 305,000 cubic yards of sand will be added to beaches from 77th Street to 84th Street. As work progresses, sections of beach will be closed during pumping, which will take place 24 hours a day, stopping only in the event of weather or mechanical issues. The beach project is ahead of schedule, though a mechanical failure aboard the dredge Texas slowed progress earlier this week.
LAST CHANCE TO SAVE on season beach tag purchases! Buy your season beach tags by May 31st and save $5 each. On June 1st the cost of a season tag rises from $23 to $28 in Avalon and Stone Harbor. In Avalon, tags can be purchased at the beach tag booth at Community Hall at 30th Street & the beach. In Stone Harbor they can be purchased at the beach tag office at 95th Street & the beach.
THE TOWNSEND'S INLET BRIDGE will not open to vehicular traffic Memorial Day Weekend, as was once hoped. Repairing the underwater bridge support structure has proved difficult in the challenging conditions of Townsend's Inlet, including deep, swift moving water. Rock rip rap, placed underwater during a 1962 repair to the bridge, had to be removed to gain access, before a trio of steel piles can be driven into place and fastened to the structure. Work is being conducted from floating platforms adjacent to the bridge.
IT'S TURTLE TIME AGAIN! Soon diamondback terrapins will be seeking higher ground to lay eggs, and that means they're often seen on local roads. Give 'em a brake! Slow down and avoid hitting turtles crossing the road. If you wish to help a turtle, be sure to move it across the road in the same direction it was travelling, and be sure to stay safe by checking for traffic before entering the roadway!
THE BLUE ANGELS will be in Millville Saturday & Sunday for the Millville Wheels & Wings Airshow. The high performance jet team is part of a full line up that includes other military aircraft, aerobatic planes, and skydivers. The gates open at 9am each day. Info and Tickets - Millville Wheels & Wings Airshow
BLACK BEAR BOYS AND GIRLS SUMMER 2017 LACROSSE CAMP held at the Jersey Shore this upcoming season to improve
players’ skills and abilities. Get the best instruction from
Camp Directors. New to Lacrosse? Advanced player? Black Bear
instruction will push each participant to their limits.
Learn More!THANK A VETERAN FOR THEIR SERVICE THIS WEEKEND! As you enjoy a walk on the beach, an afternoon on the deck, or a barbecue with family, take a moment to remember the veterans who made it possible!
MAY 18, 2017
GET 'EM READY! With Memorial Day Weekend just around the corner, it's time to make final preparations for getting rental properties ready for the season. Take a moment and make a checklist of items. Here's a list of general items: spring cleaning; air conditioning tested/serviced; cable & Wi-Fi service on; outside shower turned on; barbecue grill ready with full propane tank; landscape/lawn service established; pool maintenance service arranged; windows cleaned & awnings installed; outside furniture on deck/patio; changeover cleanings scheduled. Your property's unique needs should be addressed as well. Also, make sure you've obtained the proper rental license. Need help with a particular issue? Please call or email me!
Sunset at Townsend's Inlet! The southern tip of Sea Isle City (on the right in this photo) is a delightful place to walk in the evening.
WEATHER AND A MECHANICAL ISSUE delayed beach replenishment work in Avalon this past weekend. A broken anchor line forced the dredge "Texas" to depart Townsend's Inlet for Cape May late Thursday night. The Texas was planning to leave Townsend's Inlet at noon Friday anyway, due to high winds and seas associated with last weekend's rainstorm. The Texas was due back in Townsend's Inlet on Monday afternoon. As of last week, about 830,000 cubic yards of sand had been placed on the beach, with 100,000 cubic yards remaining in this phase of the project, before transitioning to the final phase covering southern Avalon and northern Stone Harbor.
HENNY'S RESTAURANT: Demolition of the iconic Henny's began Monday, and crews have made quick progress, removing the landmark structure one dumpster-full at a time. The site will be utilized by The Reeds at Shelter Haven for 22 additional hotel rooms and a spa.
COAST GUARD VESSEL Tamaroa was finally sunk last week to become an artificial reef about 26 miles from Cape May. Originally serving the Navy in World War II as the Zuni, the vessel also served the Coast Guard for decades, and made now-famous rescues during the 1991 "Perfect Storm", of book and movie fame. After reaching its final destination, holes were cut in the side of the ship and water was pumped in, until it gradually receded beneath the surface. Marine life is expected to begin congregating and growing on the sunken hull within months, and the site will eventually become a destination for sport fishermen.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADES and ceremonies are planned in both Avalon & Stone Harbor. Avalon's parade steps off at 9am from 32nd & Dune, proceeding north toward Veteran's Plaza where a ceremony will occur about 9:30am. Stone Harbor's parade will begin at 12 noon and proceed eastward along 96th Street to the Women's Civic Club, where a ceremony is planned.
MAY 11, 2017
640,000 CUBIC YARDS of sand have been added to Avalon's north-end beaches, according to a recent update on the beach replenishment project. About 300,000 cubic yards remain to be added during this phase of the project. After that, work will shift to the south-end of Avalon and north-end of Stone Harbor for the project's final portion. The project is expected to conclude about June 20th, subject to weather and mechanical delays.
Blue skies and gentle breezes made for a great beach day earlier this week. There's more great weather ahead!
THIS WEEKEND brings an array of activities to the Island to help jump start your summer season. In Avalon you'll find the Wine & Spirits Festival, a Borough-Wide Yard Sale, and flower and hoagie sales at the Fire Department. Stone Harbor adds the Garden Club's Plant and Bake Sale as well as the Wetlands Institute's Native Plant Sale. See our list of upcoming events below for more!
THE TOWNSEND'S INLET BRIDGE is still undergoing repairs. The bridge contractor has been working to restore traffic flow, but instead of reopening for Memorial Day Weekend, traffic on the bridge may be limited to one lane. The emergency repair work began after an April underwater inspection revealed a crack in the bridge structure.
HENNY'S TO BE DEMOLISHED: The building that housed Henny's Restaurant is slated to be torn down the week of May 15th. Henny's closed in 2008, after operating its Third Avenue location since the 1930s. Third Avenue from 96th Street to 97th Street will be closed to through traffic, and parking restrictions will be in place, to ensure safety during the demolition process. Stay tuned for more on the future of the site!
STREET OPENING MORATORIUMS currently exist in Avalon and Stone Harbor to prevent newly paved streets from being "opened" for new utility connections for a period of five years after paving. Stone Harbor is considering increasing the moratorium period to seven or ten years, in order to extend the lifespan of newly paved streets. The Cape May County Herald reported that seven years seemed to be the more likely choice. Read the full article: Transparency Goal for Council Discussed by Borough Officials.
HOUSE PORTRAITS by Lisa Cunningham capture the essence of your home, allowing you to display your pride & joy! They also make a special gift for any homeowner! Check out her work at Lisa Cunningham Fine Art or email Lisa at lisa@lisacunninghamfineart.com
An example of Lisa Cunningham's great work!
BLACK BEAR LACROSSE returns to Avalon again this year with a camp from July 3rd to July 7th. From fundamentals to advanced training, campers ages 4 through 14 will receive daily instruction while scrimmaging and participating in contests. Learn More - Black Bear Lacrosse Summer Camp.
MAY 4, 2017
BEACH REPLENISHMENT WORK resumed last weekend as the dredge Texas returned from Cape May and began pumping sand onto Avalon's north-end beaches. The Texas underwent maintenance work and completed a small project while in Cape May. Now that it's back in Avalon, it is expected to operate around the clock until beach work is completed, stopping only for unsafe weather conditions or mechanical issues. The current phase of the project is expected to be completed about May 20th. The final phase will entail pumping sand through a submerged pipe onto beaches in Avalon's hotel district and Stone Harbor's north end. That portion of the project is expected to conclude about June 20th.
BRIDGE UPDATES: 150-foot pipe piles will be installed to support the Townsend's Inlet Bridge. Three piles will be placed underwater at each end of one of the bridge support piers, then welded and bolted to the support structure. Officials hope to have the bridge open to vehicular traffic by Memorial Day Weekend.
Repair of the 96th Street Bridge is also underway, with overnight closures expected from 10pm to 5am, Sunday through Thursday nights until Memorial Day Weekend. From Memorial Day Weekend until June 9th, bridge closures will be restricted to Monday through Thursday nights. Lane closures are possible, too. The project is expected to be finished by June 9th; if it is not, work will be deferred until the fall.
BIG BLUEFISH, AND LOTS OF THEM! That's the word among local fishermen who have caught numerous bluefish of good size in the back bays and in the surf. The Atlantic City Press reported that Tammie of Avalon Hodge Podge has weighed bluefish over eight pounds, and one that was over nine pounds.
A plume of water and sand land on Avalon's beach during replenishment operations.
LOCALS RIDE FREE on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Sunday, May 7th! A photo ID with a local zip code will save you the $18 round-trip foot passenger fare. The ferry ride across the mouth of Delaware Bay and back is delightful--on any given trip you're likely to see ships, boats, dolphins, or a sunset. To book, visit Cape May-Lewes Ferry by Saturday, and use the code "Tourism".
THE BEST MEMORIES are made on shore vacations! Why not make it permanent? If you'd like to find the perfect shore home, let's get started! Call or email me--I'll listen to your needs and help you find the ideal place for your family to enjoy! Contact Us
APRIL 27, 2017
THE NUMBER OF SALES & THE MEDIAN SALE PRICE have increased over last year, while the number of active listings has decreased. 33 properties sold last month in Avalon & Stone Harbor, and 35 more were placed under contract. View The Latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report
Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report.
THE TOWNSEND'S INLET BRIDGE remains closed, but temporary repairs may be completed in time for it to reopen for the Memorial Day Weekend and the summer season. Permanent repairs will be made next winter. Locals and visitors alike are hoping the bridge will be open, preventing the need to take "the long way around," which can take a half hour or more in summer traffic. The bridge has been closed since a routine inspection revealed a crack in the structure 20 feet beneath the water's surface.
OTHER BRIDGES in Cape May County are undergoing fender replacement projects, providing protection to bridges from passing marine traffic. Two bridges over the Cape May Canal, plus one over Grassy Sound and one over Beach Creek (both on North Wildwood Boulevard) will have their existing fender structures replaced, including timber piles.
WINE TASTING, ANYONE? Two upcoming events will delight wine tasters! On Friday, May 12th the Avalon Wine & Spirits Festival takes place at Community Hall. On Saturday, May 13th the Klink! Wine Tasting Event will be held in Atlantic City at the Resorts Casino Hotel.
Learn More - Avalon Wine & Spirits Festival, May 12th
Learn More - Resorts Casino Hotel Klink! Wine Tasting Event, May 13th
SPRING CLEAN UP TIME! It's time to clean up and clean out! In Avalon, bulk trash items can be placed curbside beginning May 5th and must be out by Sunday night May 14th. Pick up will be on Monday, May 15th. In Stone Harbor, bulk trash items can be placed curbside up to 72 hours prior to the Monday, May 15th pick up date.
ANOTHER OPTION for new or gently used furniture, appliances, and home accessories is Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Cape May Court House, where donations are warmly welcomed.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR SUMMER FUN? You can put "Fireworks!" on your calendar twice this summer! Stone Harbor's fireworks display will take place Sunday, July 2nd, followed by Avalon's on Tuesday, July 4th. Catch them both and really stretch out the holiday weekend!
APRIL 13, 2017
MORE THAN 10,000 sprigs of dune grass were planted during Avalon's annual planting effort earlier this month. Avalon Elementary School students contributed, helping to plant 2,000 of them. Dune grass roots help to stabilize the dune system, providing protection during storm events.
BACK BAY DREDGING in Stone Harbor was completed March 31st. All waterways and private slips have been completed, and Sevenson Environmental is expected to finish demobilizing equipment by April 15th.
THUNDER IN THE SKY! For those who love military aircraft, there are two opportunities to catch dazzling aerial performances this summer. The US Navy Blue Angels will appear at the Millville Wheels & Wings Airshow Memorial Day weekend. And, for the second year in a row, the US Air Force Thunderbirds will perform at the Atlantic City Airshow August 23rd. Both jet teams offer an incredible display of power, speed, and precision flying that will impress any show attendee!
Colored clouds fill the sky as the sun sets over Cape May County's wetlands.
A PLAN for expanded bike routes in Avalon was presented at last weekend's Community Connections event. The plan includes additional bike lanes on First Avenue and Avalon Avenue, as well as signage to direct bike traffic. Funding will be sought through the Cape May County Open Space program, with completion possible in the fall of 2017.
91 PROPERTIES ARE UNDER CONTRACT in the local market--and 91 families are looking forward to their new shore home! Why not join them? Call or email me today--we'll discuss your needs and begin looking for YOUR perfect shore home!
OUR NEWSLETTER will return the week of April 24th. Happy Easter to you & your family!
APRIL 6, 2017
THE TOWNSEND'S INLET BRIDGE was closed to traffic earlier this week due to cracks found in its support structure during an underwater inspection. Cracks and movement of underwater piles were identified approximately 20 feet below the surface. The bridge will be closed indefinitely until repairs can be made.
BEACH REPLENISHMENT DELAY: A mechanical problem aboard the dredge Texas has stopped beach replenishment work in Avalon until repairs can be made. The Texas will be repaired in Cape May, but may be gone for one to two weeks before resuming operations. About five weeks of work remain on Avalon's beaches from 9th to 30th Streets, before a third component of the project begins on beaches in southern Avalon and northern Stone Harbor.
Golden afternoon sunshine highlights homes along Avalon's Bayfront.
BOATERS IN NEW JERSEY are required to have a boating license before operating a vessel. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary has made it easy to locate a Boating Safety Class online. Simply visit United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Boating Courses and enter your zip code to find a nearby class.
OPEN! OPEN! OPEN! Everywhere you turn local shops and restaurants are opening their doors and preparing for the season. Whether you need a bagel from Avalon Coffee this weekend, breakfast at Uncle Bill's, lunch at the Pudgie Pelican, or dinner at the Concord, you're in luck! You can even catch evening entertainment at The Windrift on Friday & Saturday nights!
SUMMER FLOUNDER REGULATIONS are being appealed by New Jersey's representatives to the Atlantic Marine Fisheries Commission. The commission had ordered a 34% reduction in the state's summer flounder quota, increasing the minimum catch size from 18 inches to 19 inches. Among the reasons cited for the appeal are the discarding of undersized fish that are hooked (leading to mortality), and the keeping of larger fish, most of which are females of reproductive age. Recreational and commercial fishing employs an estimated 65,000 people in New Jersey, generating $2.5 billion for the economy.
MAKE YOUR SUMMER PLANS NOW! If you haven't already booked your summer vacation, now is the time! Call or email me to get started! Better yet, why not consider purchasing a shore property to extend your vacation throughout the year?
WELL, THAT PROVES IT! A Coastal Living Magazine article offers up a "scientific reason" for taking a beach vacation--proving what we already know to be true! The article cites a Michigan State University study that reveals being able to see blue spaces--such as the ocean--leads to lower levels of "psychological distress." Anyone who has stepped onto the beach, taken a look at the ocean, and let out a great big "aaahhhhhh!" will surely concur! View the Coastal Living article: The Scientific Reason You Should Take a Beach Vacation.
Sand from Townsend's Inlet is being pumped onto Avalon's beaches by the dredge Texas. As of last week, 230,000 cubic yards of sand had been placed on Avalon's beaches.
AVALON COUNCIL approved a zero increase municipal budget last week. The $27.8 million budget will result in no increase in the local purpose tax rate for 2017. Stone Harbor introduced a budget with a modest rate increase last week. Under the plan, Stone Harbor's portion of the total tax rate would rise from $0.239 to $0.244. Another presentation of Stone Harbor's budget will occur on Saturday, April 1st at 10am, with final approval scheduled for the April 4th borough council meeting.
AVALON, STONE HARBOR, AND SEA ISLE CITY have worked with Ocean City in a coordinated effort to develop a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the elevation of residential properties in the NFIP Special Flood Hazard Area. 75% funding is available for eligible elevation projects. Interested property owners should attend a meeting Saturday, April 1st at 10am at the Ocean City Public Library, 1735 Simpson Avenue, in Ocean City. View more details on the program: Cape May County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) - 2017 Jonas Grant Program.
WHO OWNS THE SHORE? Philly.com has an interactive map showing just that! Select your favorite beach town and the Philly.com map will list the top five towns that shore property owners reside in, as well as the percentage of properties owned by residents.
MARCH 23, 2017
MARKET STATS: February 2017 sales increased over February 2016, as did median sale prices. 47 properties were under contract--double the figure from last February. For a detailed look at the latest Long & Foster Market Minute View The Long & Foster Market Minute Report.
Sales and prices have increased versus one year ago. Click above for the latest Market Minute report.
TUGBOATS, A BARGE, AND THE DREDGE TEXAS can be seen in and around Townsend's Inlet as beach replenishment work has moved to Avalon's north end beaches. According to the latest project report over 135,000 cubic yards of sand have been pumped onto Avalon's beaches beginning at 9th Street. In Stone Harbor, where pumping has concluded, beach access paths are now being reconstructed. A third component of the pumping project will add sand to Avalon's southernmost beaches beginning at 77th Street, running toward Stone Harbor's 83rd Street beach.
THE OCEAN DRIVE MARATHON will take place Sunday, March 26th, with runners passing through Avalon & Stone Harbor twice. The event will begin in Sea Isle City, with runners travelling southward through Avalon and Stone Harbor. The new out-and-back style course has runners turning around near North Wildwood Boulevard, and travelling northward through Stone Harbor and Avalon, back to Sea Isle City. Learn More - Ocean Drive Marathon
CSNPHILLY.COM--WE'RE ON IT! The Philadelphia Eagle's page on CSNPhilly.com is enormously popular in the Philadelphia region--and Long & Foster has banner and wrap around ads running on the page, linking visitors to www.LongandFoster.com. It's yet another way we provide extensive marketing exposure to our property sellers. Check it out at CSNPhilly.com - Philadelphia Eagles.
A DOLPHIN found itself stuck on the beach in North Wildwood earlier this week, after swimming too close to shore. When it became apparent the dolphin was unable to free itself, personnel from the US Coast Guard and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center assisted the dolphin by providing medical attention and then moving it to deeper water.
Last Friday an early morning fire destroyed two homes where Seagull Drive meets Pelican Drive. Avalon fire fighters battled the blaze with help from Stone Harbor, Rio Grande, Marmora, Green Creek, Goshen, Cape May Court House, Ocean View, and Seaville fire companies. The fire was brought under control at around 9am but crews remained on scene for several hours wetting down hot spots. An occupant and her infant son escaped from the Seagull Drive home; the Pelican Drive home was unoccupied. No one was injured.
MARCH 16, 2017
THE DREDGE TEXAS was towed to Cape May last week for routine repairs, according to the latest beach replenishment project update. The Stone Harbor portion of the project is complete with 394,000 cubic yards of sand having been placed on the beach. When the Texas returns, work will begin in Avalon, where 940,000 cubic yards of sand are expected to be pumped onto the beaches from 9th Street to 30th Street. The Army Corps of Engineers is considering an additional proposal that would have another 340,000 cubic yards of sand pumped onto beaches from 77th Street in Avalon to 105th Street in Stone Harbor.
FOR AN AMAZING AERIAL VIEW of Avalon's beaches prior to the replenishment project, visit The 2017 Avalon Beach Replenishment Project. Be sure to look for your favorite beach!
Click above for an aerial video of Avalon's beaches prior to the replenishment project.
SLACK TIDE BREWING COMPANY: Two sons of one of my colleagues opened Slack Tide Brewing Company in Clermont, Dennis Township, in December 2015. They have enjoyed modest success, winning two prestigious awards during their brief existence. When they opened there were 32 craft breweries in the state, now there are over 250! NJ.com is conducting a survey to determine the best brewery in New Jersey. While they are looking to expand, Slack Tide remains one of the smallest breweries in the state. It is also located in the least populated section of New Jersey. The boys know they cannot win this contest. Their goal is to finish in the top 16.
You can help them by voting for Slack Tide Brewing Company through the link below. You’ll have to scroll way down because the list is in alphabetical order. If you can get your friends and relatives to vote too it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support! By the way, if you like craft beer and you haven’t been to Slack Tide Brewery, put it on your to-do list for this summer. They make really good beer!
Vote Now - N.J.'s Best Craft Brewery
WHILE THE I-95 CORRIDOR and points north & west saw lots of snow this week, we had only rain and wind here on the Island. The strongest northeast winds lasted only a short time, resulting in tides that were slightly higher than normal. By mid-day Tuesday winds had shifted to the northwest and subsided.
SUMMER JOB FAIR: Stone Harbor will hold a summer job fair at Coffee Talk on 97th Street. Stop by on Saturday, April 22nd, from 10am to 2pm.
THE MISS AVALON opens her fishing season in just a few weeks, on April 8th! One more sign that spring is near!
COAST GUARD CUTTER TOURS will be offered at the Coast Guard Community Festival May 6-7, in Cape May. One of the two new 154-foot Fast Response Cutters stationed in Cape May will be open for public tours on Saturday, May 6. View Details - The 2017 Coast Guard Community Festival
MARCH 9, 2017
ABOUT 20,000 CUBIC YARDS OF SAND are being added to Stone Harbor's beaches each day. At the most recent beach fill progress meeting last week, officials said about 160,000 cubic yards of sand still needed to be pumped. On or about March 15th (barring weather or mechanical delays) the dredge Texas will move from Hereford Inlet to Townsend's Inlet and begin pumping sand in Avalon. Some pipes and equipment are already mobilized in Avalon, including a large pipe crossing the jetty onto the beach at 8th Street.
A large dredge pipe crosses Avalon's 8th Street jetty, awaiting the start of Avalon's portion of the beach replenishment project.
YES, THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT! Purchase your 2017 Avalon, Stone Harbor, or Sea Isle City beach tags via the Viply app. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, then purchase your tags. Tags may be picked up in town by opening the app and scanning a code. In Avalon, pick up tags at the beach tag office at 30th Street & Dune Drive after April 1st. In Stone Harbor, pick up tags at Borough Hall. In Sea Isle City, pick up tags at the Sea Isle Welcome Center or Borough Hall.
SPRING FORWARD on your clocks this weekend, as we enter Daylight Savings Time again. Gaining an extra minute of sunshine each day is great, but gaining an extra hour at the end of the day is a real treat! (The semi-annual changing of the clocks is also a great time to check your smoke detector batteries, too!)
THE STONE HARBOR SHIVER takes place Saturday, March 11th, on 96th Street in Stone Harbor. Festivities begin Friday evening with a pre-party open to the public at the Stone Harbor Yacht Club, followed by Keg-n-Eggs Saturday morning at Fred's Tavern at 9:30am. At noon Shiver participants will parade down 96th Street toward the Women's Civic Club at the beach. The event will be emceed by Press of Atlantic City Meteorologist Dan Skeldon. In case you're wondering, the current forecast calls for a daytime high of 34 degrees, combined with a chilly northwest breeze. Don't worry, the ocean water temperature is a comfy 42 degrees!
Register for The Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge 2017
OUR FRIEND & COLLEAGUE, DAVE READ, is recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor. Dave is doing well but we're holding a Beef & Beer to help give Dave and his wife, Wanda, a boost. If you are able to join us March 31st at The Avalon Links from 7pm to 11pm, please do! Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance or at the door.
MARCH 2, 2017
BEACHFILL CONTINUES: Sand pumping continues on Stone Harbor's beaches, with the southernmost portion already completed. According to the latest project update, pipes will soon be shifted so that sand may be placed on the beach in a northerly direction for the remainder of the Stone Harbor portion of the project. In a couple of weeks pipes will be mobilized in Avalon so work can begin there. In Avalon, sand will be pumped from Townsend's Inlet onto the beach at 9th Street, progressing southward to 30th Street.
AVALON BACK BAY DREDGING has resumed. The dredge contractor began assembling pipes several weeks ago, and the final phase of that project is now underway. Dredging is underway in Graven's Thorofare, moving toward Long Reach.
ALL ABOARD! Catch Bill Mengel as he discusses "How the Railroad Made Avalon" at the Avalon History Center Saturday, March 4th from 1pm to 2pm. Barrier islands from Cape May to Atlantic City owe their success in large part to the railroads, and Avalon is no exception. Hauling vacationers, daytrippers, and fishermen from Philadelphia, the railroads brought thousands of people to the barrier islands every year. Learn more from Bill on Saturday!
The West Jersey & Seashore Railroad in Avalon, circa 1920!
DUNE GRASS PLANTING: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Avalon's dune grass planting will take place on Saturday, April 1st. Volunteers should report to Avalon Community Hall at 30th Street and Avalon Avenue at 8:30am for donuts and coffee. Following a brief demonstration and distribution of planting utensils, volunteers will be transported to the planting sites by Avalon Borough trucks. A complimentary lunch will be served at Community Hall at 12 noon. Planting will resume after lunch (if necessary) for those able to continue. Please contact Chuck McDonnell at Community Hall (609-967-3066) or Sue Keen at the Mayor's Office (609-967-5924) for questions, or to sign up for the dune grass planting.
ANOTHER TASTE OF SPRING! A mid-week warm up had daytime temperatures into the 60s, as Mother Nature teases us with yet another taste of spring! By the way, in case you haven't checked your calendar recently--it's less than 90 days to Memorial Day Weekend! It's time to make your summer plans! Whether you're looking for a place for a week or a place for life, please call me!
FEBRUARY 23, 2017
A WARM PRESIDENT'S DAY WEEKEND brought sizable crowds to the shore. Temperatures near 70 combined with sunshine to give an early taste of spring. From the Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City to strolling along Dune Drive and 96th Street, there were plenty of people on the islands enjoying the warm weather!
THE BEACH REPLENISHMENT project has begun, with the dredge Texas pumping sand from Hereford Inlet to fill about 400 feet of beach so far in Stone Harbor's southern end, according to a recent report on the project. In about three weeks the dredge will move to Townsend's Inlet and begin pumping sand onto Avalon's beaches.
MARKET STATS: Strong demand led to a 27% increase in contracts written in January compared to a year ago, as active inventory continues to decline.
View The Full Long & Foster Market Minute Report
Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report!
ReSTORE CONTRIBUTIONS NEEDED: Habitat for Humanity's ReStore is set to open in May after an extensive renovation of its location in the former SuperFresh building in Cape May Court House. But in order to open, ReStore is in need of donated furniture, appliances, cabinets, building materials, and more. If you have household items to donate and wish to have them picked up, call (609) 463-0244.
COMING SOON TO OCEAN DRIVE: E-Z PASS. County Freeholders have approved the purchase of E-Z Pass equipment for the toll bridges on Ocean Drive. Hardware, software, and installation of the system on the five toll bridges could cost up to $500,000. Perhaps that will mean an end to stopping at a toll booth atop one of the bridges late at night during the wintertime, only to find a sign indicating that no toll would be collected as there was no toll taker on duty!
HELP ME HELP YOU! If you need something--anything--just let me know! Whether you want a review of the latest activity in your market segment, or you need a recommendation for a reliable contractor, I'm ready to help. Call or email me today!
FEBRUARY 16, 2017
BEACH PROJECT: Strong winds over the weekend delayed the placement of the dredge "Texas" near Hereford Inlet due to safety concerns. The dredge was expected to move into position and begin pumping sand on Tuesday, February 14th. Once underway, the beach replenishment project will run 24/7, unless weather or mechanical problems cause delays. The Stone Harbor portion of the beach project will occur first, followed by the Avalon portion.
Glorious sunsets appear regularly throughout the winter season here on Seven Mile Beach!
SHORE RENTERS: RESERVE EARLY. That's the advice offered by a Philadelphia Inquirer article that appeared in the Sunday, February 12th edition of the paper. A limited supply of properties--and only so many weeks of summer--means it's important to get an early start on your search for a property. Call or email me, so I can help you find the perfect place. It's time to get started!
Read Full Article - The Rush Is Already On For Rentals At The Jersey Shore
STONE HARBOR GAS MAIN REPLACEMENT is underway. Aging steel pipes are being replaced with new plastic pipes in two phases, the first of which will run until June. The second phase will begin in September and run into 2018. Look for most work to take place on weekdays, with some Saturday work possible. As the mains are replaced, gas service to individual homes will need to be shut off, and cannot be turned back on until a property owner is present to allow a worker inside to test the new connections. Property owners will be contacted via a mailing to their billing address as well as a "door knocker" hung on their door knob. Owners with questions can contact South Jersey Gas at (609) 465-2900, extension 6250, and reference the "Stone Harbor Project."
"HABITAT RESTORE" is coming to Cape May Court House. Habitat for Humanity will open its new ReStore location in May after a renovation project. Located in the former SuperFresh space on Court House-South Dennis Road, Habitat ReStore will sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, and more to the public at a fraction of retail prices. Goods are donated by individuals, distributors, and manufacturers, and sale proceeds from ReStores are used in local communities and around the world. Help is needed in renovating the new location. Volunteers of all skill levels are needed--if you can swing a hammer or a paintbrush, you're qualified!
Project Schedule/Volunteer For A Shift | Learn More - Habitat ReStore Cape May Ct. Hse.
FEBRUARY 9, 2017
FLOOD INSURANCE SOLUTIONS: that's the topic of discussion at a public class offered Thursday, February 16th from 10am until 12noon at Avalon Community Hall. Discussion will include current regulations, elevation certificates, and identifying and correcting costly mistakes. All are welcome to attend the session. Bring your elevation certificate, and your questions!
The shore is beautiful all year long! Here's a peaceful winter sunset from the Avalon Boulevard bridge.
FRIDAY: FULL MOON + LUNAR ECLIPSE! February's full moon occurs on Friday, with the moon rising at 5:18pm. Later on, look for a "penumbral lunar eclipse" as the moon slides into the earth's shadow. Scientists say the effect will be subtle, but look for the peak of the eclipse at 7:44pm. For those awake in the wee hours of the morning, the "New Year" comet will reach its closest point to Earth in the very early hours of Saturday morning. At 7.5 million miles from Earth, the comet will be visible with the naked eye, but scientists say a pair of binoculars will help! The beach often proves to be a good location for observing the skies, since it's a bit darker than most other areas.
CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY here on the Island? The Reeds at Shelter Haven is offering Valentine's Day Prix Fixe dinners on Saturday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th. Call 609-368-0100 for info. The Icona Golden Inn follows up with a 5 Course Dinner and Wine Pairing on Saturday, February 18th. Call 609-368-5155 for info.
THE STONE HARBOR MUSEUM has announced that it will be moving into the former William Ris Gallery location at 9410 Second Avenue. Having outgrown its former location at 235 93rd Street, the museum has been searching for a larger location to house its 50,000 artifact collection. The museum expects to be fully moved and open in the spring.
FEBRUARY 2, 2017
SAND PUMPING could begin as early as February 7th, according to a recent update on the Avalon/Stone Harbor beach replenishment. Sand will initially be dredged from Hereford Inlet and pumped onto Stone Harbor's beaches and once that portion of the project is completed, operations will move to Avalon. Approximately 28 days of pumping will be required in Stone Harbor, and 37 days in Avalon. Equipment has already been mobilized for the project.
A LITTLE BIT OF SNOW blanketed the Island early this week. A couple of inches fell Sunday evening into Monday morning, making for some peaceful scenes along the beach and on the dunes!
A layer of fluffy snow blanketed Avalon's dunes earlier this week.
A PORTION OF OCEAN DRIVE in Avalon will undergo a sewer main replacement, drainage improvements, and a complete repaving. Work will be conducted in phases over the next several months, with portions of Ocean Drive closed during construction. However, work will be suspended during the summer season so as not to impact visitors.
PROPOSED FLOUNDER FISHING LIMITS for 2017 have united both recreational as well as commercial fisherman in opposition to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The commission has proposed a thirty percent reduction in the flounder haul of commercial fishermen, and a forty percent reduction in the recreational catch. Recreational fishermen could be limited to keeping flounder that are at least 19 inches, up from last year's 17 inch minimum. The flounder season could also be reduced to just 59 days. Several state and federal representatives based in New Jersey have recently voiced opposition to the proposed limits, too, out of concern for the economic impact the proposed regulations could have.
BLACK BEAR BOYS AND GIRLS SUMMER 2017 LACROSSE CAMP held at the Jersey Shore this upcoming season to improve
players’ skills and abilities. Get the best instruction from
Camp Directors. New to Lacrosse? Advanced player? Black Bear
instruction will push each participant to their limits.
Learn More!SPREAD THE WORD! I love working with family and friends of my existing clients, so if you know of someone who's ready to explore the shore marketplace, please let me know! You can be sure that I'll give them the attentive and knowledgeable service they expect and deserve!
JANUARY 26, 2017
BEACH REPLENISHMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY: Mobilization of equipment has begun as Avalon and Stone Harbor anticipate a major beach replenishment project over the next several weeks. Equipment has been staged on Stone Harbor's beaches and the 123rd Street parking lot. Sand pumping could begin at the end of this week as the dredge contractor is waiting for inclement weather to subside. Once Stone Harbor's portion of the project is complete, the dredge and equipment will move to Avalon to begin work there.
SALES UP, INVENTORY DOWN: The latest Long & Foster Market Minute report shows a slight increase in sales during December 2016 compared to a year ago. Solid demand over the past couple of years has reduced the number of active listings to 267, down from more than 300 a year ago, and down from 350 two years ago. View The Full Market Minute Report
Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report.
STONE HARBOR BACK BAY DREDGING progress continues. The most recent report on the project shows it to be 43% complete, with over 40,000 cubic yards dredged so far. Five basins are complete, one is underway, and three have not yet been dredged. According to the report, in addition to the basins, Access Channel, Stone Harbor Hole, and a number of private slips remain unfinished. The current phase of the project is expected to conclude in February, with final completion of the project due next year.
IF YOU'D LIKE TO CATCH A GLIMPSE of Monday's nor'easter at Townsend's Inlet, click here to watch this brief video: Avalon Townsend's Inlet in Nor'easter 1/23/2017 (YouTube) In 24 hours the wind turned around, flattening out the waves.
SEA ISLE BOULEVARD is in the midst of an elevation project, designed to raise the roadway by several feet to avoid potential flooding. But NJ Department of Environmental Protection regulations will halt the project from March 15th through August 15th due to the presence of nesting ospreys within 1,000 feet of the roadway. The project initially began in 2014, and final completion is not expected until 2019.
JANUARY 19, 2017
A full moon hovers over Avalon's fishing pier. Winter is just as beautiful as summer here on the Island!
BEACH REPLENISHMENT WORK will begin soon in Avalon and Stone Harbor, with mobilization of equipment to begin in two weeks, and pumping to follow. Work will begin in Stone Harbor at 123rd Street and is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete as sand pumping progresses northward. After that, work will move to Avalon's 9th Street beach and progress southward for approximately four weeks. The dredge "Texas" can pump about 50,000 cubic yards of sand per day if weather conditions are favorable, and the project is expected to conclude well in advance of the summer season.
THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT? Yes! Avalon will soon launch an app allowing beachgoers to purchase beach tags via their smartphones. Stay tuned for more details!
BAYFRONT DREDGING CONTINUES in Stone Harbor. The relative quiet of the bay on winter days is punctuated by the sound of machinery, as silt is dredged from the channels and transported off site. Earlier this week the dredge and barges were stationed off the western side of Golden Gate Drive.
AVALON COMMUNITY HALL reopened Monday after the wood floor was sanded and refinished. A new logo and striping were added to the floor as part of the refinishing.
SLACK TIDE BREWING COMPANY is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month, having produced more than three dozen different beers since opening. Slack Tide favorites include Five Fathom, Bell Buoy, and Angry Osprey, as well as several others. Visit them online at Slack Tide Brewing Company or visit them in person at their Clermont location the next time you're in the area!
57 PROPERTIES ARE UNDER CONTRACT in the local market--meaning 57 families are looking forward to great seashore memories during the 2017 season! Why not become one of them? If you're ready to begin your search for the perfect seashore property, call or email me today to get started!
JANUARY12, 2017
SNOW AND COLD TEMPERATURES blanketed the Island this week, after a significant snowfall last weekend. The dry, powdery snow hung around for several days as daytime temperatures only reached the mid-20s. A dramatic but brief warm up is expected--by the end of the week daytime highs are expected to be in the mid-50s before settling back down over the weekend.
Snow, cold wind, and temperatures in the 20s made for a chilly walk on Avalon's 60th Street beach!
IT'LL BE WARM AGAIN SOON, and that means it's time to plan your 2017 summer vacation! Whether you want to visit for a week, or stay for a lifetime, call me and I'll help you find the perfect place!
AVALON'S COMMUNITY HALL closed on December 27th for refinishing of the floor. After sanding, a new logo and new lines for sporting events will be added. The stage at the front of the building is also due for renovation.
JUDITH DAVIES-DUNHOUR was sworn in as Stone Harbor's new mayor last week, before a crowded reorganization meeting at Borough Hall. Davies-Dunhour worked for the Stone Harbor Police Department for 25 years, and spent seven years serving on borough council before running for mayor.
FISHERMEN ARE QUESTIONING a federal plan to reduce the summer flounder quota this season. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission says the flounder population has been overfished and that stricter requirements are needed to reduce this year's catch by 40%. Specific regulations have not been proposed but options include a two fish limit at 18 inches each and a three fish limit at 19 inches each, according to the Atlantic City Press.
$400,000 IN REPAIRS may be needed on the 96th Street Bridge, which links Stone Harbor to the mainland. After being closed for a month last fall for repairs after a crack was found in one of the bridge's main girders, the additional work is expected to be performed this spring ahead of the busy summer season. During the repairs, temporary lane closures are expected during the day, with full bridge closures possible during nighttime hours.
THE 2017 OLDE HOUSE TOUR is being planned by the Avalon Historical Society. Do you have a pre-1950s property? Call the Historical Society at 609-967-0090 and help keep this event going!
JANUARY 5, 2017
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Health, happiness, & prosperity--may all three be yours in 2017! Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
REMEMBER THE SEA TURTLE that was rescued from
Avalon's beach this past summer? She was transported to the
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in
North Carolina some time back. An update was recently posted to
the Borough's Facebook page, having been provided by Elizabeth
Quinn, whose friend volunteers at the center: "She has had the
opportunity to feed and give treatments to the sea turtle that
the Avalon folks rescued this summer. She has affectionately
been named 'Snookie' and she is doing very well! She is a smart
girl and is eating. She is being fed fish stuffed into squid,
though my friend says she would prefer just squid! Thank you so
much to all those who helped rescue her!"STONE HARBOR was recently awarded a $2.7 million state grant for the mitigation of flood risks in the borough between 88th and 99th Streets. The project will include the installation of remotely operated tide control valves at existing stormwater discharge pipes, preventing tidewater from pushing into the pipes and flooding streets. Higher street elevations and a bayside pump station to be built at 93rd Street are part of the project, too.
TAKE THE PLUNGE! If you're daring enough to take a mid-winter plunge into the ocean, you've got three chances to do so! Polar bear plunge events are scheduled in Sea Isle City (February 18th), North Wildwood (February 25th), and Stone Harbor (March 11th.) See below for details. The ocean water temperature just off Avalon is 44 degrees--just about average for this time of year. However, ocean water temperatures are typically at their lowest point in February and March, with average temperatures just under 40 degrees.
MARKET STATS: In case you missed it last edition, the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report shows an increase in sales and a reduction in active listings in November 2016. The number of sales increased 25% over last November, while the number of active listings has declined by 13% to 290. Despite a recent uptick in interest rates, demand has remained steady marketwide.
IS 2017 YOUR YEAR? Whether it's a week's vacation at the shore, or a place to permanently call your own, let's make it happen together! Call, email or visit our website to begin your search for the perfect property.
The RJ Soens Group Wishes You a Happy and Healthy
2017! The Brown Room - Congress Hall - Cape May, NJ From Left to Right: Seated: Stephanie Cook, Marilyn O’Donoghue, Annmarie Ulissi, Giovanna D’Alessandro, Ryan Orzech Standing: Brian Campbell (Special Guest), Joan Staszak, Lindsey Watson McCarthy, Chris Tumelty, Mimi Szegda, RJ Soens |
DECEMBER 22, 2016
MARKET UPDATE: Active property supply fell from 333 available units in November 2015 to only 290 this year; a decrease of 13%. However, more units were sold by 25% compared to last year. These numbers indicate that there is high demand among buyers in a market with diminishing inventory. Please click on the link below for a more in depth analysis of the November 2016 real estate market in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
View The Full Market Minute Report
BEACHFILL EXPECTED IN 2017: Last week Avalon's Borough Council approved a State Aid Agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that will result in a substantial hydraulic beach fill project for both Avalon and Stone Harbor in 2017. Sand will be pumped onto Avalon's beach from Townsend's Inlet, and onto Stone Harbor's beach from Hereford Inlet. It's hoped the beach fill project will be completed sometime in the spring, ahead of the summer tourism season.
Downtown areas of Avalon and Stone Harbor are decked out for the holidays!
IF YOU'RE HERE over the holidays, be sure to visit the business districts in Avalon & Stone Harbor. Both towns are decorated with enough lights to make you feel like a kid again! And if you need an activity for the family, consider visiting the Cape May County Zoo (open every day except Christmas), or take in a movie at the Harbor Square Theater in Stone Harbor--it's open every day including Christmas, when four movies will be shown, including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story!
NEW YEAR'S EVE dining options on the Island include Fred's Tavern (609-368-5591), The Princeton (609-967-3456), Bobby Dee's Rock 'n Chair (609-967-3300), and The Reeds at Shelter Haven (609-368-0100). Be sure to call ahead for reservations! If you'd like to ring in the New Year with fireworks, check out Sea Isle City's family friendly New Year's Eve celebration--a crystal ball drops at 7pm, and fireworks follow at 8pm, at JFK Boulevard & the beach (Sea Isle City New Year's Eve Celebration). Just a bit further north, Ocean City's First Night begins at 4pm and includes concerts, comedy, amusement park rides, and fireworks at midnight (Ocean City First Night).
THANK YOU for making 2016 a great year! I appreciate your business and referrals!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you & yours! May the joy & warmth of the season be with you!
OUR NEWSLETTER UPDATE will return the week of January 2, 2017.
DECEMBER 15, 2016
2017 SUMMER RENTAL GUIDE: What better way to put a smile on everyone's face this holiday season than to plan your summer vacation now! Browse hundreds of vacation homes in every price range in our new 2017 Rental Guide--it's a great tool to help you plan the perfect vacation. Call or email me when you're ready to book a vacation for your family!
View Our Summer Rental Guide To Get Started Click above for our 34-page 2017 Summer Rental Guide! |
MORTGAGE RATES have moved up steadily since September to an average of 4.15% according to BankRate.com. Despite the increase, the average rate is just a tenth of a percentage point higher than last December, and rates remain very attractive from a historical perspective. Take advantage--whether purchasing or refinancing, secure a great mortgage rate now!
STONE HARBOR'S NEW LIBRARY will open at 9am on Tuesday, December 27th! The new 9,400 square foot building stands at the corner of 96th Street and Second Avenue, and includes indoor seating as well as an outdoor deck to take in the view along 96th Street. In preparation for the opening of the new library, the existing library in Borough Hall will close December 19th.
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS! From stocking stuffers to fun adventures, add a piece of the shore to your holiday!
| Avalon's Holiday Beach Tags (while supplies last) are available at Borough Hall on weekdays, 8:15am to 4:15pm. |
| Stone Harbor's Holiday Beach Tags (while supplies last) are available at Borough Hall on weekdays from 8:30am to 4pm, or on Saturdays at the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center, 212-96th Street, 11am to 3pm. |
| Tree to Tree Adventure Park (at the Cape May County Zoo) gift certificates. Call 609-388-8289. |
| Morey's Piers and waterpark discounted tickets, available for purchase through January 6th. Visit Moreys Piers. |
| Concord Café gift card sale--buy a $100 gift certificate, get $20! Call 609-368-5505. |
| And don't forget a gift certificate to your favorite local shop or restaurant! |
SANTA IS MAKING HIS ROUNDS this holiday season. He'll be at the Stone Harbor Elementary School Thursday, December 15th at 6pm, where he'll visit with all children. On Wednesday, December 21st he'll be escorted through Avalon atop an Avalon Fire Department truck, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. (Call 609-967-5914 to add your house to Santa's list of designated stops!)
DECEMBER 8, 2016
"2,000 to 3,000 POUNDS PER DAY." That's how much food whales eat, according to Cape May Whale Watcher Jeff Stewart, who said that the presence of whales along local beaches is driven by the presence of bunker, on which they feed. Stewart said his whale watching trips spotted a dozen whales off Hereford Inlet a couple of weeks ago, as well as a 60-foot pilot whale off Stone Harbor before Thanksgiving. Stewart's whale watching trips conclude soon, but will resume in March. For more, see this Atlantic City Press article: It May Be Turning Colder, But Whales Still Enjoying The Waters Off South Jersey.
STRIPERS MOVING SOUTH: Stripers, a favorite fall gamefish, are finally moving southward. Until recently, fisherman were making long trips to the waters off Long Beach Island and Atlantic City to find them, but in the past few days good catches have been reported off Ocean City and Sea Isle. As the water continues to cool the fish should keep moving south.
Even the offseason is delightful here at the shore! Yes, it's chilly outside, but a sunset walk on the beach will warm your heart!
A LOT OF RUMBLING up and down the coast last Thursday afternoon had many wondering if a small earthquake may have occurred. But it was a sonic boom from an F-35 fighter that was cleared to go supersonic off the Jersey Coast, according to Press of Atlantic City meteorologist Dan Skeldon, who spoke with officials at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, where the jet was based. The tremors were felt in Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean Counties. A similar event occurred along the Jersey Coast in January.
COLDER WEATHER=WINTERIZE NOW! It's time to have outside water lines shut off and winterized, if you haven't already done so. Contact your plumber and schedule a visit. Foundation vents should be closed to prevent cold air from freezing pipes in your crawlspace. Thermostats should be set to 55 degrees to protect your interior plumbing.
DECEMBER 1, 2016
SIZABLE CROWD, LOTS OF FUN! Thanksgiving Weekend brought lots of visitors to the Island, along with plenty of activities for them to enjoy. From shopping, dining, and iceless ice skating to visits with Santa and a huge parade, the entire Seven Mile Beach kicked off the holiday season in style!
THIN BLUE LINE: Avalon visitors arriving via Avalon Boulevard may have noticed a thin blue line painted on the roadway as it enters Avalon. According to Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, it's "a show of gratitude by our residents, property owners, and visitors for the tremendous level of public service provided to our community by the Avalon Police Department." The blue line will also circle the traffic island on 30th Street between Ocean Drive and Dune Drive.
HARBOR THEATRE in Stone Harbor will celebrate singer/songwriters at Troubadour Night Saturday, December 3rd, from 8pm to 10:30pm. Enjoy live performances as the music of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, James Taylor, and Bob Marley is celebrated. Tickets are $15 at the door.
SANTA RIDES THE RAILS in nearby Tuckahoe through the Christmas season. Cape May Seashore Lines operates The Santa Express several times per week, including weekends and evening trips, aboard vintage passenger equipment. Santa greets each child on board--treat your family to a special experience!
Info & Tickets - The Santa Express by Cape May Seashore Lines
SPEAKING OF RAILS: Railroad tracks from nearly a century ago made an appearance again on Sunset Beach next to the Delaware Bay in Lower Township. The tracks once carried beach sand from a plant before the operation ceased. Weather and tides have shifted the beach sand, uncovering the tracks. The tracks first appeared in November 2014, after being covered for decades.
Visitors check out freshly exposed train tracks on Sunset Beach in Lower Township, as seen in this November 2014 photo. The tracks were uncovered again last week by weather and tides. The concrete ship is visible in the water in the background.
TOYS FOR TOTS: Long & Foster's Avalon office will once again serve as a drop off point for Toys For Tots. Stop by anytime we're open (Monday--Saturday, 9am-5pm) and drop off a new, unwrapped toy to help brighten the holiday of a child!
NOVEMBER 23, 2016
MARKET MINUTE: The latest Long & Foster Market Minute shows the median sale price increased in October versus a year ago, while the number of sales decreased. The number of active listings and the average "days on market" both decreased. View The Full Market Minute Report
THE 96TH STREET BRIDGE may be open for the Thanksgiving Weekend. Contractors have been working to reopen the bridge to automobile traffic since a crack in a main girder was discovered a few weeks ago. Just a short distance to the north, the underwater remains of the Beesley's Point Bridge were demolished. The bridge, which carried Route 9 across Great Egg Harbor Bay between Upper Township (Cape May County) and Somers Point (Atlantic County), fell into disrepair and was closed to traffic in 2004. The removal of the span was part of the ongoing project that included the construction of a new southbound Garden State Parkway bridge across the same body of water.
Video - Underwater Demolition On Old Beesley's Point Bridge
FESTIVE FRIDAY & SNOWFEST SATURDAY arrive in Avalon after the Thanksgiving holiday. Events and activities will be available throughout the business district, including iceless skating, music, rock wall climbing, and a whole lot more!
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE in Stone Harbor again this year, as the annual holiday celebration kicks off Friday. A variety of family-friendly activities are on tap Friday & Saturday, capped by a huge Christmas Parade Saturday evening at 6:30pm. Santa will be the guest of honor at the parade.
SHOP THE SHORE: Make sure there's a piece of the shore under the tree this year! If you're here this weekend--or anytime--pick up some holiday gifts. Local shops offer a delightful variety of things and here are some other ideas: gift certificates for local restaurants; the Cape May Lewes Ferry offers gift certificates as well; the Fudge Kitchen will ship their delicious candy anywhere; Avalon Coffee ships their coffee & mugs; Stone Harbor Fire Company has department t-shirts available for purchase and the firehouse is staffed most days; holiday beach tags are available for purchase for both Avalon & Stone Harbor; Gillian's & Morey's Piers have gift cards available for lots of fun activities when they re-open in the Spring; Atlantic City Restaurant Week (which will be held in March 2017) has gift cards available for use at any of the participating restaurants.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and your family!
NOVEMBER 17, 2016
BUOY ON THE BEACH! Monday's low tide revealed an interesting new addition to the beach at Stone Harbor Point: a red navigational buoy, partially buried in the sand. The buoy is numbered "2T" and is from Townsend's Inlet. No word on why it broke loose from its mooring in the inlet.
BEACH FILL MOVING AHEAD: The joint Avalon-Stone Harbor beachfill project appears to be moving forward after an agreement was struck among several agencies. In order to avoid using federal funds for the dredging of sand from Hereford Inlet to replenish Stone Harbor beaches--the issue that stalled the project initially--those funds will instead be used to fund Avalon's fill, while a combination of Stone Harbor and NJDEP funds will be used for the Herford Inlet dredging component. The project is now expected to proceed, though Avalon still hopes to seek a long term solution to the original problem--the Division of Fish and Wildlife's recent invoking of an old rule preventing dredging in Hereford Inlet using federal funds. Avalon says the rule had not been imposed on prior projects, and should not have been imposed this time.
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND kicks off the holiday season here on the Island! After your turkey dinner, check out Avalon's Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday activities, including the Turkey Trot run, iceless ice skating, and a tree lighting ceremony. Stone Harbor will celebrate the "It's a Wonderful Life" theme again this year, with a scavenger hunt, caroling, and letters to Santa. It's all capped off with a huge Christmas Parade along 96th Street Saturday evening. Check out the list of activities and events below!
STONE HARBOR LIBRARY: SNEAK PEEK! Swing by the new Stone Harbor Library on Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend for a "sneak peek" inside the new facility. No official opening date has been announced, but the library will be open for the public to visit that day.
HOLIDAY BEACH TAGS will be available Thanksgiving Weekend! Avalon will sell holiday tags during Festive Friday on November 25th and Snowfest Saturday on November 26th at the Avalon Rescue Squad. This year beachgoers can find one of Santa's reindeer dressed for the season with a wreath, ornaments and candy canes on the tag. On both days, sales will be held from 11am-4pm. The remaining tags will be for sale the following week in the tax collector's office at Borough Hall, 3100 Dune Dr. Stone Harbor's 2017 beach tags follow along with the Island Holiday Scavenger Hunt theme of "Every time a bell rings, an egret gets its wings." The tag features an egret in the dunes wearing a red scarf with a bell close by. Tags will be available for purchase inside Borough Hall at 9508 Second Avenue beginning Friday, November 25th from 10am-8pm; Saturday, November 26th from 10am-7pm; and Sunday November 27th from 10am-5pm.
Avalon and Stone Harbor have unveiled their holiday beach tags. They can be purchased beginning Thanksgiving Weekend.
LOCAL GIFT IDEAS: While you're here over Thanksgiving Weekend, shop local! Whether it's a holiday beach tag, a box of fudge, a gift certificate to a local restaurant, or a specialty item from your favorite store, give a bit of Seven Mile Beach to your loved ones this year! Want to make it really special? Treat your family to their very own place at the shore! Call me to get started!
NOVEMBER 10, 2016
THE 96th STREET BRIDGE remains closed to vehicular and marine traffic due to a crack in one of its main girders. Temporary trusses are expected to be installed on top of the bridge, allowing vehicular traffic to cross over the span as soon as November 18th. The cracked girder can then be jacked into position and the crack repaired. Meanwhile, vehicles entering or leaving Stone Harbor must use North Wildwood Boulevard or Avalon Boulevard. Boats too tall to pass under the 96th Street Bridge must travel north or south via the ocean.
Workers examine the 96th Street Bridge after a cracked girder was discovered. Temporary trusses are expected to have it open to vehicular traffic on November 18th.
$708 MILLION! That's the amount of annual tourism spending in Cape May County--well ahead of Atlantic County's $360 million and Ocean County's $636 million, according to a 2015 state report. Cape May County has marketed itself as a tourist destination for both the popular summer season, as well as the fall and off season. Cape May County's most recent marketing campaign, "Fall for the Jersey Cape," began in late summer, with the goal of increasing visits to the area on fall weekends.
VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONIES will be held in both Avalon and Stone Harbor on Friday, November 11th. Avalon's ceremony will take place at 11am at Veteran's Plaza at 21st & Dune Drive; at 12 noon Stone Harbor's ceremony will occur at the American Legion at 11617 Second Avenue.
ANOTHER SUPERMOON will rise in the sky the evening of November 14th, with the moon making its closest appearance to earth since 1948. The moon will appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter in the sky--and local beaches make a superb viewing location!
FLOOD INSURANCE MEETING CANCELLED: Stone Harbor's flood insurance informational meeting, scheduled for November 26th, has been cancelled.
WINTERIZE NOW: the first taste of cooler weather means it's time to think about winterizing outdoor showers and other outside water lines. Contact your plumber now to get on the schedule. Need a plumber? Contact me for recommendations!
NOVEMBER 3, 2016
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THE 96TH STREET BRIDGE was closed unexpectedly over the weekend after a structural problem was discovered. Both automobile traffic and openings for marine traffic have been suspended after a County bridge crew found a crack in one of the main span girders while performing electrical work last Friday. The bridge is expected to remain closed until at least next week so repairs can be made. Vehicles headed to Stone Harbor should use Avalon Boulevard or North Wildwood Boulevard instead.
AVALON OFFICIALS are looking at options to move a joint Avalon-Stone Harbor hydraulic beach fill project forward. The project has been discussed for quite some time but ran into a roadblock when the US Fish and Wildlife Service claimed that Hereford Inlet could not be used as a borrow site for sand for the Stone Harbor portion of the project. Avalon's sand was to come from Townsend's Inlet but since the project covers both towns, Avalon's administrator said if Stone Harbor's portion of the project didn't occur, neither would Avalon's. Avalon officials may turn to the court system for relief to allow the dredging project to move forward. In the event it does not, Borough officials would turn to "backpassing," a process of moving sand from one area of the beach to another, via bulldozers and dump trucks. Backpassing has been used previously to replenish beaches, but is seen as a method to extend the time between hydraulic dredging projects, not a replacement for it.
WANT YOUR OWN LIFEGUARD BOAT? There's an Avalon lifeguard boat available on ebay right now! The 17-foot Van Duyne, located in York, PA, is offered at the Buy it Now price of $1,800.
Have a look! Van Duyne Surf Boat Avalon Lifeguard Boat 17' 3" (ebay)
This Avalon lifeguard boat, now in York, PA, is being offered on ebay!
FLOOD INSURANCE CHECKUP: Stone Harbor residents are invited to a meeting Saturday, November 26th from 9:30am to 12 noon for a review of changes to the National Flood Insurance Program, steps to take to mitigate flood losses, followed by group or individual reviews of your current flood insurance coverage. If you have them, bring your elevation certificate and your current flood insurance policy so that specific mitigation steps can be recommended; if you don't have them, your situation can still be reviewed. The meeting will be held at the Stone Harbor Municipal Building at 9508 Second Avenue. To reserve a seat visit stoneharbor.eventbrite.com or call (866) 599-7065.
OCTOBER 27, 2016
WELCOME HOME JONATHAN SCHWARTZ! After returning from a six-month deployment at Incirlik Air Force Base in Adana, Turkey, near Syria, Jonathan was welcomed home by an enthusiastic crowd along with a large flag draped across Avalon Boulevard by the Avalon and Stone Harbor Fire Departments. Jonathan volunteered for the deployment at the base, where air strikes against ISIS were launched. He has served for five years with the Air National Guard 177th Fighter Wing, Atlantic City. Welcome home, Jonathan, and thank you for your service!
STONE HARBOR PROPERTY OWNERS will soon receive a notice from Vital Computer Resources explaining the inspection process for an upcoming revaluation. Property inspections will begin in November and will continue through the spring and summer of 2017.
US COAST GUARD CUTTER TAMAROA will reach her final resting place on October 30th, when she will be sunk to form a reef off Cape May. It's the 25th anniversary of the Tamaroa's rescue of a sailboat's crew and a downed helicopter off the New England Coast during a storm in 1991, which was later featured in the movie The Perfect Storm. She first saw service in World War II, and was later the first on the scene of the sinking Andrea Dorea. The Tamaroa reef is expected to support marine life, draw game fish, and help recreational fishing.
US Coast Guard Cutter Tamaroa will be sunk to form an artificial reef off Cape May. (USCG Photo)
THE AVALON SEAWATCH counts migratory seabirds as they make their way southward between September 22nd and December 22nd. Staffed seven days a week from sunrise to sundown, counters identify and record the species and number of birds flying by. Based at the seawall at the east end of 7th Street, the location was chosen because Avalon's north-end projects a mile further seaward than the surrounding area, offering an excellent vantage point. An average of 800,000 birds are counted each year.
THE SECOND PHASE of back bay dredging in Stone Harbor began on October 7th. A new dewatering process, which mixes dredge material with Portland cement, is speeding progress, and some dredge material has already been trucked off the island. Contractor Sevenson Environmental hopes to complete its work by the first week of January.
TRICK OR TREAT Monday evening in Avalon & Stone Harbor, from 5pm to 8pm. Happy Halloween!
OCTOBER 20, 2016
SEPTEMBER'S MEDIAN SALE PRICE in the local market increased to $1,200,000, up 3.6% over September 2015. The number of active listings decreased slightly versus a year ago, as did the average number of "days on market". View The Full Long & Foster Market Minute Report. Ready to find your own place at the shore? Please call me!
Click above for Long & Foster's latest Market Minute report.
AERIAL DUNE GRASS FERTILIZATION is planned in Avalon and Stone Harbor on Thursday, October 20th. The operation is expected to take place in the morning, finishing around 11am. Recently volunteers planted additional dune grass in Avalon's dune system.
BEACH SWEEPS will be conducted in Avalon & Stone Harbor this weekend. Volunteers are needed to assist with cleanup efforts in both towns on Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm. In Stone Harbor, volunteers are asked to report to the 95th Street beach; in Avalon volunteers are asked to report to the 80th Street beach. Volunteers will be provided with trash bags, gloves, and datasheets.
DID YOU SEE IT? Monday evening an Antares rocket was launched from Wallop's Island, Virginia, after several days of launch delays. The rockets fiery trail was visible to sky watchers all over South Jersey, with Cape May County's beaches offering some of the best views. After arcing into the sky for a few minutes it suddenly went dark, then became visible again as the rocket's second stage began.
The latter part of the Antares rocket's initial burn is visible in this photo, looking southward from Ocean City's 9th Street causeway.
THIS WEEK'S WEATHER has been super, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, along with gentle breezes and clear skies. Occasional showers are expected late in the week, with cooler, dryer air moving in for the weekend. Enjoy the fall weather while it lasts!
OCTOBER 13, 2016
SEA TURTLE UPDATE: A sea turtle rescued from Avalon's north-end beach is finally eating at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, after refusing to do so initially. Now that she's eating, she can be transferred to another facility for further rehab. She'd been scheduled for an Air Force transport flight to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in North Carolina, but the flight was postponed due to weather brought on by Hurricane Matthew.
TWO STONE HARBOR BRIDGES will close temporarily for inspections next week. The Ocean Drive Bridge linking Stone Harbor to Nummy Island, locally known as "the free bridge" due to its lack of a toll booth, will close to automotive and marine traffic intermittently between 9am and 1pm on October 19th. The following day the 96th Street Bridge will experience intermittent closures as well. (See the nautical chart image below to find Nummy Island!)
AVALON is considering a monthly stipend to help increase firefighter response rates during the overnight hours. As Avalon's population has aged and property values have increased, fewer firefighters live in town, with more choosing to reside offshore. Chief Ed Dean has proposed a maximum $400 per month stipend for firefighters who staff four overnight shifts at the firehouse. Stone Harbor and Sea Isle City fire departments have similar programs that have increased turnout, while costing the towns far less than staffing paid fire departments.
Seven Mile Beach as depicted in NOAA Nautical Chart 12316. This type of chart is used by boaters to navigate the IntraCoastal Waterway, marked by red triangles and green squares. Modern GPS navigation units have electronic charts built in. View Larger Chart
IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE...it's an Antares Rocket! The fifth such rocket will be launched from Wallops Island, Virginia at 8:03pm Sunday evening. New Jersey's coastal areas could have a good view of the launch, depending upon weather, as the rocket's exhaust trail should be visible from the beach. The scheduled launches are frequently postponed though, so check Wallops Flight Facility for the latest launch updates from NASA.
BOO AT THE ZOO returns to the Cape May County Zoo on Saturday, October 22 from 10am to 2pm. The free family-friendly event includes a costume contest, crafts, children's amusement rides, a magic show, and more. The annual event is a big hit with kids young and old! Visit Cape May County Zoo for more info on the event, or other zoo programs!
OCTOBER 6, 2016
88 PROPERTIES ARE CURRENTLY UNDER CONTRACT in the local market! Asking prices range from $139,900 (for a lot in Stone Harbor Manor) to $4,999,999 (for a large bayfront home in Avalon). The wide range of property types--and prices--means there is something for everyone in the local real estate market! Ready to make a move? Please call me!
THE LOGGERHEAD TURTLE rescued from Avalon's 12th Street beach last week is being cared for in a pool at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The 280-pound female was said to be dehydrated, but seems healthy despite not having eaten properly since being rescued. If the turtle begins eating again it could be released to the ocean in a month.
NEED TO SEE THE BEACH even when you can't be here? You can check it out any time thanks to Avalon's webcams! See the beach and bay here:
Avalon Chamber of Commerce - View Avalon WebCam (Best displayed in Chrome!)
What a view! This home in Avalon Manor is surrounded by tidal creeks and marsh, and enjoys a view that stretches for miles.
AVALON'S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL takes place Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, at 30th Street & the beach. Stop by and enjoy some chowder, crabcakes, or your favorite seafood treat! Beer & wine will be available, along with live NFL and college football games on TV, plus music and activities for the kids!
SAVE THE DATE! Plan ahead and spend your Thanksgiving weekend here on the Island! After a traditional turkey dinner on Thursday you'll find plenty to do the rest of the weekend. From "Festive Friday" in Avalon to "It's a Wonderful Life" in Stone Harbor, to a huge parade Saturday evening, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Watch our future event lists for more details!
SEPTEMBER 29, 2016
TURTLE RESCUE: A sea turtle was rescued on Avalon's 12th Street beach Monday evening. Witnesses spotted the turtle stuck on the sand and reported it to police, who contacted the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. No official word as to how the turtle got stuck, or why it had to be rescued from the beach but you can watch a video clip of the rescue here: Seven Mile Times - Amazing Turtle Rescue.
COPS AND COFFEE: The Avalon Police Department recently announced its first "Cops and Coffee" session at Uncle Bill's Pancake House. The session will give members of the public an opportunity to speak with police officers in a casual setting, and is scheduled for Friday, October 7th, from 8am to 10am. The public is encouraged to attend. The Stone Harbor Police Department recently became active on Twitter, in addition to Facebook, in order to share community news and public safety information via social media.
Sunset on a summer evening!
SEAFOOD LOVERS REJOICE! Two great seafood oriented events are just around the corner!
First up is Sea Isle City's Harborfest Saturday, October 1st from 11am to 4pm at 42nd Place and the Bay. At 1pm a Chowder Contest begins, followed by a Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at 2pm, and a raw clam-eating contest at 3pm.
Avalon's Seafood Festival will take place Saturday & Sunday October 8 & 9, from 10am to 5pm both days at 30th Street and the beach. Seafood, music, and crafts will be featured, in addition to the annual Chowder Contest. Beer & wine will be available for sale, and on Sunday, the Eagles game will be streamed live.
NEW ARTIFICIAL REEF: The 115-foot Lisa Kim is expected to be sunk 8 miles northeast of Cape May Inlet on Thursday or Friday (depending upon weather conditions), as part of New Jersey's artificial reef program. Another vessel was sunk last week 4.4 miles off Manasquan Inlet. Federal funding of artificial reefs had been cut off for several years due to disagreements between commercial and recreational fisherman, but the Department of Environmental Protection received $119,250 in funding for the sinking of the two vessels after Governor Christie adopted new artificial reef rules designed to end the years-long dispute. Another well-known vessel awaits her fate as a future artificial reef: the US Coast Guard Cutter Tamaroa, which gained notoriety after being featured in the movie The Perfect Storm, is currently in Norfolk, Virginia, awaiting environmental cleaning before she can be scuttled.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
PENDING CONTRACTS UP: August 2016 saw 53 pending sale contracts in the local market, up from 34 last August--a 56% increase! That's a reflection of the recent strength seen in the market. Low and mid-priced segments have been the most active in the last several months.
View the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report
Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report!
A NEW COAST GUARD CUTTER will soon be stationed at the Coast Guard Base in Cape May. The newly built 154-foot USCGC Rollin Fritch is named for a World War II era sailor who served aboard the USS Callaway in the Philippines in 1945. The Fritch is part of the Sentinel-class of cutters, and can reach speeds of 28 knots (32 mph), while remaining at sea five days at a time.
SAVOR SEPTEMBER, THEN CABARET NIGHT! Saturday, September 24th brings with it two favorite fall events. Savor September kicks off at noon in Stone Harbor's 96th Street shopping district, and offers an array of activities including crafts, music, food, wine & beer, until 8pm. Saturday evening it's Cabaret Night at Avalon Community Hall, beginning at 7pm. The Marinos Band will perform everything from Top 40 to Oldies, R&B, Classic Rock, and Dance tunes. Visit Avalon Performing Arts Council for info.
ANNUAL DUNE GRASS PLANTING will take place in Avalon on Saturday, October 1st. Volunteers should report to Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am for donuts and coffee, and a brief planting demonstration. Volunteers will be transported to planting sites by borough trucks. A complimentary lunch will follow at Community Hall. If there is still planting to be completed, planting will resume after lunch for those who are able to continue. Please contact Chuck McDonnell at Community Hall (609-967-3066) or Sue Keen at the Mayor's Office (609-967-5924) for questions or to sign up.
STONE HARBOR BACK BAY DREDGING: Equipment has been mobilized as the contractor prepares to resume dredging operations in Stone Harbor. For a Borough update on progress, please visit Stone Harbor Back Bay Dredge Update. Bayfront property owners who wish to have their private slips dredged should visit Stone Harbor Back Bay Project ~ Private Boat Slip Dredging for information.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2016
OCEAN DRIVE and its planned reconstruction will be discussed at an informational meeting hosted by the Avalon Home and Land Owners Association and the Borough of Avalon this Saturday, at 9am. A section of the road from 29th Street to 62nd Street will receive new sewer service, followed by a reconstruction of the roadway. A portion of the roadway will be elevated with new drainage added, to help alleviate nuisance flooding caused by rain. Work is expected to begin in March 2017, then break for the summer season. It will resume in September 2017 until completion. Homeowners and the public are invited to attend the informational meeting, which will be held at the Avalon Community Center.
BRIDGE INSPECTIONS began earlier this week on the Avalon Boulevard Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. Several additional bridges will be inspected over the next couple of weeks, including Sea Isle Boulevard, 96th Street Bridge, and Ocean Drive over Great Channel just south of Stone Harbor. Lane closings will occur as each bridge is inspected; expect minor delays if traversing a bridge while an inspection is taking place.
A beautiful September afternoon along the bay in Stone Harbor.
STONE HARBOR BACK BAY DREDGING: An update on Stone Harbor's back bay dredging plan has been posted to the Borough's website. Instead of hydraulic dredging, which led to problems dewatering dredge material at the 81st Street Municipal Marina last year, mechanical dredging will be used moving forward. A backhoe on a barge will excavate dredge material, which will be transported to the marina site and eventually mixed with Portland cement, before being hauled away.
View the presentation slides: Stone Harbor Dredging Status Update and Path Forward (PDF)
IF YOU'VE DRIVEN NORTH on Ocean Drive through Sea Isle City in the past, you've probably taken note of the site used to test paint and other coatings in the seaside environment. Ocean City Research has operated the site for many years, but it will not be renewing its lease. Sea Isle City is currently exploring other possible uses for the site.
For details, see this Atlantic City Press article: Sea Isle 'Paint Test' Site Removed; City Seeks Lessee
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER are great months to look at available properties if you're considering a purchase! Ready to look? Please give me a call today!
SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
THE "SECOND SUMMER" has begun! Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end to summer, and the start of our "Second Summer" season. C'mon down and enjoy cooler weather, smaller crowds, and a great lineup of fall activities & events! The shore is a bit less hectic at this time of year, but there's still plenty to enjoy while you're here!
LAST WEEKEND'S WEATHER turned out to be far nicer than initially predicted, as tropical storm Hermine passed farther off the coast than it was first expected to. This greatly lessened Hermine's impact on the South Jersey Shore, which saw minimal wind, almost no rain, and very minimal coastal flooding. Some have expressed frustration with the forecast...here's your chance to hear from a panel of meteorologists and emergency management officials on that very subject. Press of Atlantic City meteorologist Dan Skeldon will be joined by Fox29's Kathy Orr from Philadelphia, Jonathan Carr of WeatherNJ, Avalon Mayor and Cape May County Emergency Management Director Marty Pagliughi, along with several others, for a two-hour Cape-Atlantic Severe Weather Forum at the Ocean City Music Pier September 15th, from 7pm to 9pm. It's a chance for the public to ask questions and express concerns about severe weather forecasting and the decisions that are made based on those forecasts.
LOCAL ARTIST DORIS ZOGAS passed away last week in Reading, PA. Her well known watercolor paintings featured many Seven Mile Beach icons such as Hoys 5 & 10, the Avalon Hotel, Smuggler's Cove, The Windrift, Uncle Bill's Pancake House, and The Princeton, as well as many other island scenes. Mrs. Zogas took up painting after attending a watercolor workshop in Stone Harbor in 1978.
Taking the plunge! Why not take your own plunge and purchase your own place at the shore? Whether you need a Bayfront home to park your boat, a low maintenance condo, or a palatial beachfront, I'll help you find the perfect place! Call me today!
CLEANING OUT? It's time for bulk pickup in both Avalon & Stone Harbor! In Avalon, bulk items may be placed curbside through September 11th, for collection on September 12th. (No construction or remodeling materials will be collected.) In Stone Harbor collection will occur on September 12th; items may be placed curbside up to 72 hours in advance. (No construction or remodeling debris will be collected; no hazardous waste, propane, or paint will be collected.)
FALL MIGRATION FESTIVAL: The Wetlands Institute's annual Fall Migration Festival will take place September 17th & 18th. The yearly favorite highlights Cape May County's nature & marine life through a variety of presentations and tours. Butterflies, birds, fish, turtles--come and learn about the beautiful creatures right in our own backyard.
More Info - Fall Migration Festival at The Wetlands Institute
SEPTEMBER 1, 2016
HIGHER RATES? Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen speculated recently that one or more interest rate hikes could come soon, based on recent economic activity and job gains. One thing is certain--current interest rates are very attractive by an historical measure. Consider refinancing properties you already own to lock in low rates. If you're considering purchasing a vacation home, do it now to secure low financing costs for the duration of your ownership! Ready to start looking? Please call me today!
What a fun way to beat the heat on a hot August afternoon!
FISH TALES! A 754-pound blue marlin was weighed in at Cape May during last week's 25th Annual MidAtlantic Fishing Tournament. The fish earned a $531,513 prize for the captain & crew, who hail from Lighthouse Point, Florida. The vast majority of billfish caught were released, with only the heaviest being weighed in. Other notable catches included a 236-pound tuna and a 53-pound mahi mahi. The total prize money payout for the MidAtlantic event was $3.16 million. Elsewhere in Cape May County, a fisherman caught an 11.68-pound flounder on the beach in Corson's Inlet (behind Strathmere) last week.
45 MILLION AND COUNTING: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry transported its 45 millionth passenger last week. A family from northern New Jersey purchased tickets for passage to Delaware, and were then presented with free passage, plus a certificate for future free passage, as well as some Cape May-Lewes Ferry branded gift items. Ferries began making the 17-mile Delaware Bay crossing on July 1, 1964. Whether travelling long distance, making a day trip, or crossing the Bay as a foot passenger, the ferry ride is always a delight. Beautiful panoramas, sunsets, and dolphins are among the many sights to be seen.
HARBOR SQUARE THEATRE recently opened in Stone Harbor after the aging theatre was fully renovated. There's a new twist though--in addition to traditional movie favorites such as popcorn and candy, patrons can enjoy appetizers, beer, and wine from the Harbor Burger Bar, which can be taken into the theatre. Info & Showtimes - Harbor Square Theater
AIRFEST returns to Naval Air Station Wildwood Friday through Sunday, September 2-5. Highlights include World War II era aircraft such as the B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress, and the P-51 Mustang. A $14 ticket gets you a walk-through tour of the bombers. Flights can be arranged at an additional cost. More Information - Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
EXTEND YOUR SUMMER SEASON--enjoy beautiful fall weekends at the shore! From cooler weather to smaller crowds to great activities, the fall is a delightful season! See below for a list of fun activities!
AUGUST 25, 2016
MIGRATING SHOREBIRDS are visible in many locations throughout Cape May County at this time of year. Mid-August through mid-September are peak times for spotting birds as they travel southward, with Cape May County's geography acting as a funnel for birds preparing to cross Delaware Bay, increasing the number of birds visible compared to other areas. Stone Harbor Point is a great location for spotting birds, and so is Avalon's north-end, where First Avenue and Avalon Avenue hit the seawall. Grab your binoculars or camera and have a look!
SAILOR'S DELIGHT! For those with sailing in their blood, August is a great month at the Shore!
The AJ Meerwald, New Jersey's official tall ship, has been in Cape May for a couple of weeks, and will be here through the end of the month. Various public sails are offered.
Ticket Information - Bayshore Center - A.J. Meerwald
At the end of the month a replica of the schooner "America", the first winner of the "America's Cup", will be in Cape May. Dockside tours and sailing trips are available on August 30th and 31st.
More Information - Schooner 'America' Replica To Visit Cape May
And, finally, if you're willing to take a ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, you can visit the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of the Colonial-era original. She'll be in Lewes, Delaware through September 5th.
More Information and Tickets - Kalmar Nyckel
STONE HARBOR'S BACK BAY DREDGING contractor has proposed resuming the operation via mechanical dredging, as opposed to hydraulic dredging. Last year's hydraulic dredging was suspended after problems with the dewatering of dredge material at the 81st Street Municipal Marina parking lot. Mechanical dredging--scooping up material with backhoe-like buckets--allows for dredged material to be dewatered more easily, utilizing Portland cement. The cement will be mixed with dredge material before it is trucked off site. A formal notice of the requested change of methods was recently posted on the US Army Corps of Engineer's website.
"THE SECOND SUMMER" is almost upon us! As Labor Day approaches you can sense the crowds thinning a bit, and cooler weather is around the corner. The "Second Summer" also brings with it a lineup of great events and activities. See below for a list!
WHY NOT MAKE AVALON & STONE HARBOR a permanent part of your life? If you enjoyed your summer vacation here on the Island, consider purchasing a place of your very own, to use and enjoy any time you want! Call me to discuss your needs and begin your search!
AUGUST 18, 2016
AN OCEAN DRIVE PROJECT between 29th and 62nd Streets in Avalon is anticipated next spring. The county project would bring that section of the roadway into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act with new sidewalks, and also elevate the roadway to help alleviate flooding and improve drainage. Work is anticipated to begin in March 2017, breaking in June for the summer season, and then resuming in September.
Click above for the latest report on the Avalon/Stone Harbor market!
FROM 83 TO 69! The ocean surf temperature reached a record 83.3 degrees last Wednesday in Atlantic City, with Cape May seeing 81.7 degrees. By Friday the wind had shifted to a southwesterly direction, moving the warm water offshore. "Upwelling" brought cooler water to the surface, taking the surf temperature back down to a refreshing 69 degrees. The average surf temperature at this time of year is 74 degrees.
FALLFORTHEJERSEYCAPE.COM highlights great fall events in Cape May County. The county's Department of Tourism operates the site as part of their "Boomerang" marketing campaign, designed to bring visitors back to the Jersey Cape for fall (and spring) getaways, in addition to traditional summer vacations. From classic car shows to theater events to nature celebrations to airshows--you will find a great line up of Jersey Cape events on the site! Visit Fall For The Jersey Cape to check it out!
FALL MIGRATION FESTIVAL: Speaking of fall activities, one of the most popular is The Wetland's Institute's annual Fall Migration Festival, which will be held Saturday & Sunday, September 17-18. This year's festival will feature guided nature walks, back-bay boat and kayak tours, live butterfly presentations, crafts, and more. Single day tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for a child; two-day tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for a child. Visit The Wetland's Institute's Annual Fall Migration Festival for more details.
SUMMER BUCKET LIST TIME! With just a couple of weeks of "prime" summer season left, it's time to check your Summer Bucket List for those "gotta do it!" items. Take a little time for you and your family--enjoy the summer and make some memories!
AUGUST 11, 2016
LOU BACHMAN, long-time proprietor of Smuggler's Cove in Stone Harbor, passed away last week, at the age of 88. Generations of Stone Harbor fishermen and crabbers remember Lou fondly. Whether you needed bait, a rod or reel repair, advice on how to catch fish, or just a cup of coffee on a rainy morning, a visit to Lou was in order. Lou was a well-known icon throughout the community, having been a "local" since the early 1970s. Several years ago Stone Harbor's "North Basin" was officially renamed "Smuggler's Cove" indicative of the influence Lou and his tackle shop have had on the town. Visitation will be held from 10am to noon Saturday at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, at 93rd and Third Avenue in Stone Harbor, with a memorial service to follow. After the memorial service friends will gather on the dock at Smuggler's Cove to share memories of Lou.
A WAYWARD DOLPHIN was rescued from a small creek off Delaware Bay, near West Hand Avenue in Middle Township on Sunday. The 400 lb. dolphin likely entered the creek at high tide while searching for food. After being rescued it was examined and found to be healthy, and was then released into Delaware Bay.
The US Air Force Thunderbirds will return to Atlantic City for the first time since 2014.
THE US AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS will return to Atlantic City on Wednesday, August 17th, for the annual Atlantic City Air Show. The air show, which can be seen anywhere on the Atlantic City beach or boardwalk, is said to be the largest on the east coast aside from Fort Lauderdale, and features numerous jets, vintage aircraft, and other aerial demonstrations. Last year's show took place in early September and was centered around the US Navy Blue Angels. Decreased attendance due to the September date lead to the change back to the show's traditional August date.
PERSEIDS "OUTBURST": Early August brings the annual Perseid meteor shower, and 2016 is predicted by NASA to be an "outburst year", with up to 200 meteors visible per hour Wednesday and Thursday. South Jersey's pinelands and beaches are some of the best viewing areas, so long as the skies are clear enough.
WHITE MARLIN are showing up in the canyon waters off the New Jersey coast, about 65 miles from shore. Gulfstream water as warm as 82 degrees has been reported, making for near ideal fishing conditions. If you don't have your own offshore-capable boat, charters can be arranged, including daytrips or "overnighters." For those who wish to stay a bit closer to home, flounder are still being caught in the bay and inlet.
A SECTION OF OCEAN DRIVE will be closed over the next several days for an emergency sewer main repair. Ocean Drive will be closed in both directions from 38th Street to 42nd Street beginning Wednesday, August 10th. The street will reopen for the weekend, then will be closed again Monday, August 15th. Repairs are expected to be finished on or before Friday August 19th.
AUGUST 4, 2016
ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: The 54th Annual Stone Harbor Arts & Crafts Festival takes place this weekend, August 6th & 7th. More than 200 artisans from a dozen states will display their work at the 80th Street Recreation Fields. The show runs from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, and 9am to 4pm Sunday. Complimentary shuttle service will run from a half-hour before the show until a half-hour after on each day to ease traffic and parking. Designated pickup locations include 60th Street & Dune Drive, 81st Street & the bay, 94th Street & Second Avenue, 95th Street & Second Avenue, 96th Street & First Avenue, 98th Street & Second Avenue, and 123rd Street & Second Avenue.
A FEDERALLY FUNDED BEACH REPLENISHMENT project is out for bids, according to Avalon Business Administrator Scott Wahl, who recently reported to Avalon Council. The project will benefit both Avalon and Stone Harbor, with a hoped for October 1st start. Stay tuned for more details!
A hot, humid summer afternoon gives way to a peaceful evening, as the last crescent of the sun slips below the horizon.
"YOUR MAJESTY, THERE IS NO SECOND." That report was allegedly delivered to the Queen of England in 1851, as the original yacht "America" crossed the finish line, with her competitors still not even in sight. After being awarded a silver cup for her victory, the tradition of the "America's Cup" sailing competition was born. A replica of the original "America," said to be the fastest sailing yacht built in her time, will sail into Cape May Harbor later this month, and dock at South Jersey Marina August 30th & 31st. Public tours of the yacht will be available, along with afternoon sails. For more information or tickets, visit Next Level Sailing.
NEW AT THE ZOO! The Cape May County Zoo--recognized as one of the top zoos in the country--has some new improvements to make it even better. For example, the zoo's snow leopards received a new habitat over the winter, and an Asian Amur leopard has received a special cage. For adventurous souls, try the new Tree to Tree Adventure Park that recently opened, featuring four adventure courses and a zipline course. Visit Tree To Tree Adventure Park, Cape May New Jersey for info & tickets.
CONGRATULATIONS TO AVALON BEACH PATROL on defending its title at the Dave Kerr Memorial, held this past weekend in Avalon. Avalon BP scored 22 points, well ahead of Longport's second place finish at 11 points.
JULY 28, 2016
MORE HOT WEATHER is on tap for the next several days, with daytime highs predicted to reach well into the 80s through the weekend. Both the temperature and humidity levels will be down a bit from what we've experienced in recent days, making it a bit more comfortable.
BEAT THE HEAT! The ocean water temperature is a delightful 75 degrees along the beach, after a couple of days of sea breezes pushed warm surface water back toward shore. A gentle sea breeze is the best way to cool off on a hot, humid summer day--aside from a dip in the ocean!
A fishing boat passes by the Avalon Fishing Pier at sunrise. The look of the pier has changed since its recent extension.
STONE HARBOR hopes to continue its back bay dredging project in the fall, and is working with a consultant and contractor to submit permit paperwork to the NJDEP. The municipal marina parking lot at 80th Street would be used once again as a dewatering site for dredge material. An earlier dredging project was halted after problems at the same dewatering site were discovered.
FUN STUFF! It's time to take advantage of all the summer activities available in the area! Catch a movie on the beach, climb a lighthouse under a full moon, take in a concert, tour the Bird Sanctuary! See below for a variety of events to choose from--then make time for yourself to enjoy them!
SALES UP: Long & Foster's Coastal Region, which includes Avalon & Stone Harbor, saw sale volume increase by 36% during the month of June, while units increased by 6%. Attractive interest rates and strong demand are driving the market. Jump in, the water's fine! Call me today to begin your search for the perfect shore property!
JULY 21, 2016
MARKET STATS: 35 new purchase contracts were written during the month of June, up significantly over May, per the Cape May County MLS. Long & Foster's latest Market Minute report shows 30 transactions closed in June, just ahead of May's figure of 28, but down just slightly from June 2015. The number of available listings on the market is down 2% from last month, and down 8% from last year, to 312. View the Full Market Minute Report.
Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report!
GLOBETROTTIN' AT THE JERSEY SHORE: The world famous Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 90th anniversary at the Wildwoods Convention Center for four games and four clinics from July 27-30. If you have kids, they are a must see. The team is offering a family 4-pack where $199 (VIP seating) or $99 (end one seating) include 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and 4 bags of chips. Visit Harlem Globetrotters Dribble Down New Jersey Shore for tickets.
Globetrotters star Bull Bullard appeared at the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpture Festival. The Globetrotters bring 4 games and 4 clinics to Wildwood from July 27-30.
CONGRATULATIONS TO AVALON BEACH PATROL for a tremendous performance in the 48th Annual Beschen-Callahan Memorial Lifeguard Races in North Wildwood. Avalon captured first place in the team scoring, doubles row, surf dash, singles row, and can run, and took second place in the swim and rescue board race! Great job Avalon BP!
REASSESSMENT RECOMMENDED: Avalon tax assessor Jeff Hesley recommended the borough conduct a reassessment of property values for the 2018 tax year. Hesley reported to council members that conducting a reassessment will help avoid a state-mandated revaluation. Hesley proposed handling the reassessment in-house with the temporary addition of three part-time inspectors. An interesting note--Hesley also reported to council that since becoming assessor in 1993, 2,080 new homes have been constructed in Avalon.
DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN harvesting is now illegal in New Jersey, thanks to legislation passed last week. Concerns about too many turtles being taken in recent years for sale as pets in foreign markets led to the eventual passing of the law, which makes it illegal to catch or take a terrapin in New Jersey.
JULY 14, 2016
THE OCEAN WATER has had a tropical, turquoise look to it for the past week and a half, thanks to a combination of factors. Press of Atlantic City meteorologist Dan Skeldon has reported that recent ocean upwelling brought nutrient rich waters to the surface; a subsequent phytoplankton bloom reflects sunlight, giving the water its bright blue-green tropical look. Lack of recent rainfall and river run-off has kept water clarity high, adding to the look. Phytoplankton are invisible to the naked eye, and harmless to swimmers and the ocean ecology. If you haven't seen the tropical-looking water, stop by the beach on a sunny day!
FOR A CAPTIVATING LOOK at the sea life surrounding the Island, watch the latest video from Nik Pattantyus. Nik has captured a glimpse of a sea turtle, a baby dolphin, and adult dolphins swimming near his paddleboard. Just ten seconds into the video you'll even see the tropical-looking water referenced above! Watch Fluke Flicks on Vimeo Video
LET'S DO THE TWIST! Chubby Checker will be doing the twist on July 18th at Cape May Convention Hall, as he returns to his South Jersey roots. Checker performed The Twist live in Wildwood 56 years ago, and hasn't stopped. View Ticket Information
Long & Foster friend Jim Dailey captured this beautiful scene at 91st & the bay in Sea Isle City. Thanks for sharing, Jim!
ORR AT THE SHORE: Kathy Orr of Fox 29 in Philadelphia is visiting Avalon Thursday, July 14th as part of her "Orr at the Shore" summer report series. Orr will broadcast from Avalon, helping to promote the weekly "Thursdays on Dune" event, and Avalon in general.
FISHING IS STILL HOT! From 8-pound flounder to tuna and mahi mahi, great catches are still being reported all around. For bait, tackle, or advice on the latest hot spots, visit Smuggler's Cove, Avalon Hodge Podge, or Moran's Dockside!
THINKING OF SELLING? You may be pleased to learn what your property is worth in today's market! If you are considering selling, contact me today so we can formulate a plan to maximize your sale proceeds!
JULY 7, 2016
IMPORTANT NEWS FOR BAYFRONT OWNERS:
Greetings! I hope you're enjoying the early days of summer here at the shore.
Recent changes related to tidelands and riparian rights may affect your property, and I wanted to make sure you were aware. This is of particular importance if any portion of your property has been claimed by the state of NJ and you have replaced or are considering replacing your bulkhead. It has been a commonly approved practice to place the new bulkhead on top of the old (one time only) resulting in a two foot extension of the lot requiring back-fill. The current issue is that language contained in some grants (which cleared the original riparian claim) rescinds that grant if any fill is placed on the property. The state is essentially claiming ownership of the two foot strip and/or the originally claimed area prior to the grant being issued. Based on rising property values and the original riparian lessons of the 1970’s, I recommend acting on this sooner than later. I have access to an expert team of title, surveying, and legal specialists and can provide a quick read on your situation at little or no expense. Please call me at 609.602.2267 or email rjs@soensgroup.com to get started.
P.S. If you are certain that no portion of your land has ever been claimed and that your ownership extends beyond the bulkhead, then fortunately this issue does not apply to you.
LONG & FOSTER'S SECOND ANNUAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY will take place Saturday, July 9th, from 11am to 3pm. Whether you're checking in, checking out, or here for the weekend, stop by our office for grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and a cold beverage!
GRAY SKIES COULDN'T STOP THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE this weekend! Numerous July 4th celebrations took place on the Island this weekend, including fireworks displays in Avalon and Stone Harbor, despite some rain. The busy weekend began Thursday evening as visitors made their way to the Island, and continued through Monday evening.
IF YOU MISSED THE FIREWORKS, or simply want more, catch them again Friday and Saturday evenings on the Wildwood beach. Due to the weather forecast Wildwood postponed their July 4th display; their traditional Friday night show will take place as scheduled on July 8th, and Saturday night (July 9th) the crowd will be treated to the big July 4th show.
Avalon's huge fireworks display over the ocean delighted crowds on the beach, beach paths, and boardwalk. In the foreground an iPad is held up to record the show.
STAR-SPANGLED SING-ALONG: Facebook users will get a kick out of this patriotic sing-along, orchestrated by three Stone Harbor lifeguards over the weekend!
Star-Spangled Banner Sing-Along on the Beach in Stone Harbor, NJ
SUMMER FLOUNDER SEASON is heating up with good catches of the flatties being reported from Long Beach Island to Cape May. Many keepers are being reported in the back bays, with some of the larger fish weighing five to seven pounds. As the bay water warms up, watch for the fish to move to the cooler inlet and ocean waters. Why not spend a day fishing? Rent a small boat at Smuggler's Cove in Stone Harbor to fish back bay waters for the day, or climb aboard the Miss Avalon for a four-hour ocean trip.
CONCERTS, BEACH MOVIES, FAMILY NIGHTS...the list of events below has a little something for everyone. Take the time to enjoy them with your family while you're here!
Archive Continued