I’ve commented on this before- selling real estate on the island for 25+ years, I can’t tell you how many home owners proclaim that their property is located “on the highest part of the island”. I’ve even heard my husband make the claim when talking with neighbors!
Well, the Borough of Stone Harbor provides supporting data – a color coded brochure mailed to each property owner (and available on their web site):
http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/elevation.asp
The green sections are the “highest points” in Stone Harbor. Most are along the beach/ dunes, and in the south end past the Bird Sanctuary. The white areas are next, and cover most of the blocks between First and Second Avenues. The blocks between Second and Third Avenues are a mixture of white and yellow elevations. In my experience, the yellow areas will see standing water in the street during a heavy rain storm/high tide combination. The bayside of town is mostly orange, with sections of pink (the lowest elevation). These areas will flood during severe storms. Residents are told to move their cars to avoid salt water damage. Flooding may be limited to the street and just over the sidewalk- but potential buyers in those areas should be aware of the situation.
When you live in a beautiful community surrounded by water, understanding the lay of the land is just part of the deal 
2 Comments
Just came upon your blog and am enjoying it. Thanks.
Question:
There are “utility objects” along the curbs on the bay side of Avalon, maybe elsewhere too and I’d like to know what they are. They resemble lamp posts, though they are only about six feet tall and perhaps eight or ten inches in diameter at the base, tapering to four or five inches at the top. They have no bulbs nor shades. They have vertically slotted tops. Do you know what they are?
John: Thanks for finding my blog! The metal posts along Ocean Drive are part of the MUA sewer system. The main pumping station is at 39th and Ocean Drive, and I’m aware of another small pumping station between 58th and 59th Street on Ocean Drive. I’m not an engineer, but I believe the posts act as air vents to keep things flowing (so to speak) off the island to the sewer plant located east of the Parkway (exit 11).