Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Avalon, New Jersey- News

  • Avalon Memories

    An older cottage was torn down this week…the original home for my grandparents when they moved to Avalon in the 1950s.

    25thStreetThe house was constructed with the help of their children (pictured- my parents, before they were parents, on the job site!)

    I was able to walk through the house while it was for sale (owned by a different family since the mid-90s) and remember childhood moments as I wandered room to room.

    As a real estate agent, I noted the structural issues along the foundation and the obsolete amenities.  It was an obvious tear down even as I reminisced with my buyers.

    One fun memory: my introduction to public transportation…such as it was in Avalon 😉

    My grandmother and I would walk to the corner of 25th and Ocean Drive to catch the bus to Ocean City.  This was a BIG deal.  Our full day adventure included shopping at Stainton’s Department Store and lunch on Asbury Avenue.

    Change is inevitable. I know I’m so fortunate to have a lifetime of island memories.

  • Labor Day Weekend Updates

    The annual TK Charities foot race is a Labor Day weekend tradition.  Every year, we read the names of the generous sponsors on the signs that pop up along Dune Drive, and then cheer on close to 1000 runners as they take over the local streets!

    Unfortunately, the event was cancelled for 2020.

    Starting this Friday, indoor dining will be permitted with capacity limitations and specific ventilation requirements.  If a restaurant is unable to work within the guidelines, they will continue with take-out and/or outdoor options.

    After Monday, beach tags are no longer required, and there will be plenty of room to social distance!

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  • Isaias has departed

    Well, that was an adventure!

    Beautiful blue skies have returned after a crazy day of high winds and tornado warnings.

    We are still dealing with scattered power outages and hearing from tenants as they report (mostly minor) damage.

    Pool companies and handymen are in high demand to assist with the clean up!

    In the meantime,  life guards are keeping swimmers out of the water until calm seas return tomorrow.

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  • Watching the Weather!

    Even a moderate storm is concerning in peak summer season.

    Decks and patios are full of furniture.  Umbrellas and awnings are in use.

    Tenants are not fully aware of the strength of high winds, and/or the locations typically prone to flooding.

    If you have any questions regarding your shore location and any risks associated, I am happy to answer to the best of my ability.

    ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com

    Stay dry, and watch the storm from our Avalon beach cam!  

    Beach

     

     

  • Outdoor Dining- an update

    The phrase “when this is all over” feels abstract.

    In the meantime, restaurant owners have been super creative with outdoor venues and dining options.  If only they could control the fickle summer weather!

    While enjoying an early morning breakfast on the Avalon boardwalk, listening to the ocean in the distance, I commented to our Fishin’ Pier Grille waitress  that I hope THIS part can remain.  She said she hears it all the time!

    Recently I was reminded of the incredible losses owners are experiencing when I walked inside a local restaurant to use the restroom.  Too see rows of tables, booths, and the bar area completely empty was stunning.

    We will continue to support the local businesses that adhere to proper safety guidelines.

    P.S.  When talking with friends and co-workers about going out to eat, the first question we ask each other is “did it feel safe” rather than “how was your meal”- our new normal!

    windrift

     

     

  • Supporting Local Businesses

    Every venture out for a meal needs a strategy:  picking the right time of day to avoid both crowds and extreme heat, selecting the best seat for social distancing, and then evaluating the establishment’s commitment to safety guidelines.

    So far, it’s been a mixed bag.  The lack of enforcement regarding masks (for patrons entering, and the servers) has been my main concern.

    The restaurants that follow the guidelines will see a shout-out on Twitter.

    Unfortunately, those with lax standards won’t earn a repeat visit.  It’s just not worth the risk.

    Business owners have an enormous amount of responsibility and stress this summer – and policing their customers and workers is one more annoying  task.  I get it (and see it in our business as well).

    Yet the stakes are too high for all of us to look the other way.

    Hopefully I will be able to post about more positive dining experiences in the months ahead.

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  • Recurring topic- summer rentals

    Tenants are calling with questions and legitimate concerns.  Yet they still want to come.

    Booking activity remains strong.  Yet potential tenants ask us to clarify the cancellation policy.

    Unfortunately, the cancellations for Covid related issues WILL continue throughout the summer.

    We have new business from tenants who have not vacationed here before.  Often they are booking weeks recently cancelled by a nervous tenant.

    Once here, tenants are grateful to be at the beach and with their family.  They tell us it’s a much needed escape.

    Summer of 2020 continues to be an unsettled time for our rental business!

    To view rental inventory (and our new Beach Cam!) visit our web site:  https://www.timkerrsir.com

    SothebysOffice

  • Live Web Cam, Avalon NJ

    Visit the beach in Avalon NJ any time:

    https://thesurfersview.com/cams_http/avalon.php

    Pier

  • Vacation Rentals and Other Updates

    As of June 15th:

    1) The public may enter non-essential businesses and shops (with social distancing and other safety practices in place).

    2) Outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted.

    The beaches are fully open, and our business community and restaurants are resiliently adapting to the new regulations.

    However, this does not mean the end of rental cancellations for upcoming summer weeks.

    The reasons for cancellations vary:  job loss, health issues, concerns about occupying a stranger’s home, and/or the worry of sharing space with extended family after months of social distancing.  The decision is not made lightly.  As the rental time period approaches, families discuss and come to the conclusion that makes sense for their situation.

    Rental property owners know that we will address each cancellation request on a case by case basis.

    Thankfully, the strong demand for new reservations continues.  We are working everyday to re-book the open weeks so that both owners and tenants are satisfied.

    As I said last month, it will be a bumpy summer!

    96thStreet

     

     

  • What’s Open?

    Local update:

    Island hotels and motels are permitted to welcome overnight guests.  Capacity is restricted to 60% occupancy until June 22nd.   Pools and restaurants at the hotels are not open.

    Area restaurants are preparing for outdoor dining.  Once authorized, we will see tables and chairs in unique settings in order to accommodate the demand.

    Retails shops are still restricted to “curbside”  business, yet the municipality will work with the shops to display items outside (similar to a sidewalk sale) starting June 1st.

    Real estate offices remain closed to the public.  Agents are transitioning back to their offices, and rental check in day will be handled curbside (actually more convenient for the tenants!)

    Take out options are varied, and now include cocktails.  Check out the food truck next to the Windrift!

    Windrift