Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Avalon, New Jersey- News

  • Beach walker’s report

    I was able to check on several beaches along the 7 mile island yesterday.

    There was some moderate beach erosion in the south end of Stone Harbor- noticeably at the vehicle drive on ramps on 111th and 123rd Streets (heads up for those with beach vehicle permits!)

    At the Catamaran beach south of 123rd Street and toward the point, these was sand loss up to the snow fencing (the wood/wire fencing installed along the beach side of the dunes).  This area is prone to dramatic shifts of sand due to the proximity of the inlet.

    In Avalon, I walked at low tide from 9th to 32nd Street, and posted pictures and videos on Twitter.  Other than accumulated marsh grass, the beaches looked good.  The water reached the paths at high tide, but left the sand intact.

    The waves in Townsends Inlet were still fierce in the afternoon! Always fun to see the power of Mother Nature.

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  • Stormy Saturday

    The nor’easter from the “west” is now out to sea.

    Because it’s the off season, most flying objects are secured (except for a few wayward trash cans and toppled port-a-potties around the island).

    Our kayaks tried to escape the driveway even though they are strapped together with several bungie cords!

    The tidal flooding was minor, and the beaches appeared in good shape at high tide.

    All positive news!

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  • Dune Grass Planting

    I’ve written about my personal experience with dune grass planting as a child growing up on the island.

    Needless to say, the finished product way back then looked a bit different than the symmetrical rows pictured!

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  • Improved weather!

    Great weekend for a beach walk in Avalon or Stone Harbor NJ!

    Pier

  • Avalon and Stone Harbor update

    The roads are better, but certainly not completely clear.  The snow drifts at street ends caused many issues today with vehicles unaware of the depth of the snow.

    If you are riding down this weekend to check your house, be aware that  properties on the north side of streets are more likely to be obstructed with higher drifts (a function of the wind direction).

    The snow plows cleared the center of each street – blocking driveways in the process.  So you will need your boots 🙂

    With the extreme and extended cold temperatures,  it’s worthwhile to check on your shore house (unless the house is completely winterized/pipes drained). Thermostats set at 55 or 60 degrees may not be adequate heating  to prevent frozen pipes in unoccupied properties.

    Every fall and winter I stress the value of a winter watch service.  Regular inspections of the interior and exterior of your home provide peace of mind, and tbe inspector can trouble shoot to prevent serious damage.

    I’m happy to make recommendations of local service providers.

    Stay warm!

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  • Blizzard!

    Well, the weather forecast was correct.  At least 10 inches of snow and hurricane force winds.

    The snow drifts are impressive!

    The Boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor did their best with plowing, but as of late this afternoon,  the roads are still a mess.

    I took pictures and will post on Twitter.

     

  • Snowy Memories

    As I walked through the 50th Street dune path today on my lunch break, I had a flash back to childhood snow days.

    Although substantial snow fall was rare, we made the best of it with sandy dune sledding!

    Some local families would go sledding along the side of the Parkway ramps, but our little neighborhood gang would bring makeshift plastic sleds to the “hills” of the high dunes.

    Realistically, only the first 2 or 3 runs were worthwhile.  After that, it was sand sledding!

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  • Tax Assessments

    houseI’m hearing from several property owners regarding the letter from the Borough of Avalon with an updated tax assessment.

    Stone Harbor property owners should expect a similar notification this winter.

    Both municipalities are required to maintain property assessments within a reasonable percentage of fair market value.

    Periodic reassessments allow the tax assessor to review all property data (recent sales) and make adjustments.

    All assessments are broken down in 2 parts: the value of the land and the value of the improvement (structure).  The land value is consistent on a particular block (unless the lot size is different).

    The boom of new construction is also big boost to our rateables.  The 2018 tax rate is expected to be lower based on these new figures- a benefit for all of us.

    If you have any questions regarding the market value of your Avalon or Stone Harbor home, I am happy to help.

    ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com  609-967-7950

  • Market Stats, Avalon and Stone Harbor

    UnderContractSignA total of 33 properties SOLD during the month of November.  The overall median selling price was $895,000.

    Break down by category:

    16 condo/townhouse units- ranging from $320,000 for a 1 bedroom unit at the Merrimack on 80th Street in Avalon; to $1,995,000 for a new 5 bedroom (with a pool) side by side style unit on the bay at 24th Street.  The median selling price of all condo/townhouse style units:  $640,000.

    10 single family homes– ranging from $875,000 for a completely renovated cottage in the 300 block of 20th Street; to $3,250,000 for a 2nd from the beach home built in 2000 located on 113th Street, Stone Harbor.  The median selling price of all single family homes- $1,800,000.

    4 multi-family sales- ranging from $700,000 for an older 2 unit property on 110th and Third Avenue, Stone Harbor on an under sized lot; to $1,100,000 for a more traditional duplex on 34th Street sold for land value to a builder (the lot is zoned for 2 units. Structure torn down and new side by side units to be built).  The median selling price for all multi-family properties- $905,000.

    2 vacant lots– a 50′ X 130′ bay lot on 7th Street sold for $1,830,000; and a 60′ X 110′ corner lot on the beach side of 33rd and First Avenue sold for $2,000,000.

    1 commercial sale- a store front on 21st and Dune Drive sold for $390,000.

    There are an additional 54 properties under contract, with settlements scheduled for the near future.  The overall median list price of those sale pending - $1,722,450 (the final selling price is posted after settlement).

    If you have any questions regarding market values in Avalon or Stone Harbor NJ, I’m here to help!

    Thank you for your interest.  ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com  609-967-7950

  • Thanksgiving Weekend Crowds

    Perfect weather…and huge crowds for the community events in both Avalon and Stone Harbor.

    Yesterday, one of my co-workers said downtown Avalon was so packed that it “looked like New York City- but with 4 year olds” 🙂

    With the mild temperatures, tonight’s annual Christmas Parade will be the perfect way to wrap up the long weekend.

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