Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Author: ann

  • A Local Perspective

    afterwork

    During my walk after work yesterday, I passed another “local” on the beach.

    Like me, she grew up on the island, and has lived/worked here her entire life.  As we said hello, she commented  “Isn’t it beautiful tonight?….this never gets old”.  That says it all.

    Even though we live at the shore full time, the appreciation for our surroundings doesn’t fade.  In fact, I think we value it more as we “mature”!

    Glad to see the regulars out on the sand, and glad to share their enthusiasm about our quiet little island at the shore.

  • Schools on the Island

    http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/55144-sevenmile+schools+examine+consolidation+options

    An article regarding the ongoing debate to consolidate the 2 elementary schools on the island.  The State of New Jersey will eventually force action, so the hope is that the 2 communities can work together to determine a positive solution.

    Back in the dark ages (when I attended Avalon Elementary), new families were moving to town and the school population was growing- even prompting an addition to the school in the early 1970’s.  Stone Harbor’s class size has always been smaller than Avalon’s- creating social issues for the students.

    Now, both schools rely on tuition students to partially fill the classrooms. 

    The Avalon Land and Homeowners Association has scheduled a meeting on October 7th at 7pm in the Avalon Elementary School- looking for public comment.

  • Bright Idea

    streetlight A stroll after dinner is now in the dark.

    And because the “critters” are active at that time of night, the best place to walk is in the street (the bike path is ideal).

    Thankfully there are only a few cars on the road mid-week – so not a safety issue.  In fact, wondering if the street lights should have motion detectors so that they only go on when a car or person is passing by??  Think of the energy savings!   😉

  • Fall Sunsets

    PointSunset In the fall, the sunsets at the shore are especially beautiful.  It can look like huge a fireball over the bay.

    For those of us who don’t live on the bay, we walk to find open viewing areas to the western sky.

     

    SunsetBeach Stone Harbor Point is a great spot- the birding platforms provide an amazing 360 degree view of the ocean, inlet, wetlands, and bay.

  • Seashore Real Estate

    During the past 30 days,  23 properties SOLD(settlement) in Avalon and Stone Harbor.  The number of settlements each month has remained consistent since late spring…and it’s a huge improvement over our Fall 2008 market!

    The selling prices range from $250,000 (for an efficiency condo on on 96th Street) to $5,100,000 (for a custom bay front home on Pelican Drive).  The median price was $937,500 for a mix of condo/townhouse units, 2 duplexes, a vacant lot, and single family homes.

    All positive signs for an improving real estate market at the shore  🙂

    Drop me a note at ann@anndelaney.com if you would like to review the data.

  • Fall Beach Days

    duneSept Sad…to be wearing jeans and a sweatshirt for my walks the past few days. 

    I’ve seen a few hardy souls bundled up in their beach chairs determined to get some sun!

    It’s not over yet- I know the temperatures will improve before we officially store our beach gear for the season.  I’m counting on it!

  • Wildwood Days

    IrishflagBusy weekend in the Wildwoods. 

    The popular Irish Festival takes over several blocks in North Wildwood- ironically, near the bars!

    On the boardwalk- the Classic Car Show and Auction. Hundreds of vintage cars on display from North Wildwood down to the Convention Center.  The long walk to admire the cars will justify the boardwalk snacks along the way!

  • Rental Licenses

    http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/55071-stone+harbor+require+annual+rental+licenses+fire+inspections

    Stone Harbor will follow similar guidelines already in place in Avalon- requiring annual inspections/licensing for all rental properties per an article in the Cape May County Herald.

  • Update- Beach Replenishment

    http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/

    According to the Borough of  Stone Harbor web site:  the beach replenishment project for 98th through 111th Streets has been rescheduled for mid-October.  The set up and survey work will start on Sunday, October 18th; with pumping to follow on Friday, October 23rd.

    dredge

    The dredge is in position in the inlet between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood- pumping sand on the North Wildwood beaches prior to the Stone Harbor project.

    Mother Nature has made it very clear that we need new sand.  Recent storms battered the dunes and removed much of the remaining layer of  soft sand.

  • Last Call

    Sunsetbay It’s that time of year…CLOSED signs in the windows of our favorite businesses.

    Springer’s and Kohler’s closed last week (I’m all set with cinnamon buns in the freezer for Christmas breakfast).  And this was the final weekend for Mack’s Pizza.  The owner had a wide grin as he said “see you next year”- he is  looking forward to the winter break.

    Another fall tradition- the restaurant owners who commit to staying open year round- or at least through December.  Reality sets in by the end of October, and most change their plans.  The local population is just not able to support more than a handful of eating establishments.  And the weekend business is fickle - effected by weather and activities at home.