Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Avalon, New Jersey- News

  • More FEMA info

    The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has filed documents to make the proposed (and then mandated by Governor Christie in January) flood elevations permanent.  Read the full article HERE  from the Press of Atlantic City.  An interesting statement in the article:  The order also allows “wet flood proofing”, which is for buildings that will structurally withstand flooding, but cannot be raised, such as high rises and row homes in highly urbanized areas.   

    From talking to local officials, the enforcement of the higher elevations is not a surprise.  Shore towns expect to adopt the elevation codes, yet will continue to negotiate the wide spread V-Zone classification.

    You can enter the address of your shore house on the interactive FEMA web site to view the required base flood elevation.  This information is important for property owners planning to either build new, or renovate more than 50% of the assessed value of the structure.  The Press article stated that the construction must be the base elevation, plus 1 foot per state law.

     

  • Recycling Made Easy

    recycleAs of April 1st, Avalon, Stone Harbor and surrounding communities will participate in “Single Stream Recycling“.

    This means that all acceptable recyclable items can be placed in ONE container.  Realistically, most shore homes will still need several recycling containers (especially rental properties) to accommodate the items.  Containers are limited to a maximum size of 32 gallons, and may not exceed 75 pounds.

    The list of permitted items has been expanded, too.  Please provide detailed instructions to your tenants/guests.

    For more information, visit the web site of the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority

  • Causeway Avalon to Sea Isle City

    Article in The Press of Atlantic City yesterday detailed plans for the Townsends Inlet roadway damaged by Sandy:  Click Here to read article

    Good news:  the roadway will be temporary repaired and open by Memorial Day weekend.

    Bad news:  the long term plan to fortify the sea wall, replace the road, and restore the bridge will cost $13 million.

    Although the bridge was not compromised by the storm, it’s been in need of major repairs for years.  The paint job over the rust can only last so long!

  • Summer Rentals

    RentSighOur rental inventory is always changing.  It’s not unusual for properties to be added this time of year as buyers make settlement on their new shore home.  Or, existing owners decide to offer their home for a few weeks.

    Log on to our RENTAL WEB SITE to search by dates and amenities. Then contact me to discuss Avalon and Stone Harbor options in more detail:  ann@anndelaney.com

    Thank you for the opportunity to help!

  • Thursday Pictures

    The bay is back to normal…and the Avalon Wawa is almost ready for their 3/14 opening day 😉

    docksWawa

     

  • All Good!

    Thankfully, the over night tide was no worse than the high tide in the afternoon.  The flooding was significant in the low lying areas, yet not unusual for a typical winter storm.

    Stone Harbor Boulevard remains closed for repairs to the poles- crews will be working there today.

    The sun has returned and it will be very spring like by the weekend 🙂

    Pictures from yesterday:  7th Street and First Avenue at the inlet, and Ocean Drive at 69th Street looking south, Avalon.

    P.S.  Just completed another quick tour and posted beach pictures on Twitter.  The beach erosion in Avalon was minimal.  New sand from the recent beach fill is still holding on. And workers are back at Wawa preparing for the 3/14 re-opening!

    5pm–  Took a walk along a section of the beach in Stone Harbor.  Unfortunately, the Sandy damaged dunes faced more abuse during this storm. There is limited beach at high tide, and the wooden ramps and pavilion need additional repairs. Thankfully, the beach replenishment project is on schedule to start later this month.  Posted a few pictures on Twitter.

    InletWednesday

     

     

  • “March”ing toward Summer

    UncleBillsDay light Savings time; The Concord Cafe re-opens; the post- Sandy renovated Wawa in Avalon will finally open; and Easter…all in March.

    I will ignore the forecast of snow later this week, and count on dragging my bay kayak out from under the house on the first warmish day.

    And, I will continue to stalk and post updates on island restaurants and businesses as they return for the season (pictured- Uncle Bill’s on 96th Street, Stone Harbor, renovating AND expanding for 2013).

  • Understanding Flood Zones

    HouseliftThe proposed FEMA/New Jersey flood zones and elevation requirements are the topic of much discussion- even more so since Governor Christie ordered the guidelines be followed for re-construction of homes damaged by Sandy.

    Although much of the island remains in the “A” zone for flood insurance purposes, the bayside areas of Avalon and Stone Harbor were reclassified as “V” zones.  To view the proposed flood zone and elevation requirement for your shore property, refer to the FEMA Map, and enter the local address in the box above the map (it defaults to Newark Airport).

    According to statements made by FEMA representatives, municipalities will have the opportunity to debate the specific locations of the V zones, yet the elevation requirements will likely remain at the proposed levels.  Final approval of the maps may take a full year.

    I have a better understanding of the value of  V zone construction requirements after recent conversations with 2 different bay front property owners.  Although they did not experience any water inside their homes, the force of the moving water jarred their foundation- causing structural issues inside the home (first noticed as major cracks along interior walls on the 2nd floor).  If the water had not met resistance and instead flowed under the homes, the damage may not have occurred.   The new construction code for V zone locations requires the structure to be on piers rather than a solid block foundation (the piers can be cosmetically covered with break away walls)- allowing water to flow freely under the elevated building.

    If you have any questions regarding these changes, I am happy to answer to the best of my ability, or direct you to someone who can help.

    P.S. Link to interesting article posted 2/28/13 in The Cape May County Herald

     

     

  • Summer Rental Inventory

    rentsignI recently added several Avalon NJ homes to our inventory of summer rental properties with POOLS.  The properties vary in size and amenities (and therefore price).  All are available for prime summer weeks.

    A few examples: 26 W 11th Street, Avalon;    215 49th Street, Avalon ;  and  5189 Ocean Drive, Avalon

    If you know anyone looking for a vacation rental in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please share this post and our web site:  http://www.powerplayrealty.com/rentals

    Thank you.  I appreciate your referrals for sales and rentals!

  • Beach Walker Report

    boardwalkThe best way to judge the condition of our beaches? A simple walk.

    Yesterday, I walked along the “new” sand in the north end of Avalon thanks to the recent beach fill project.  Based on survey markers, dune restoration will also occur.  The new beach is holding up great (even after a few winter storms).

    South of 26th Street, the existing beach remains stable (and wide)- all the way down to the 80th Street area.

    The beach narrows a bit around 81st Street (the surfing beach), but widens again a few blocks south. In March, the Stone Harbor segment of the beach fill project will begin- adding new sand from 92nd Street south through 114th Street…and again from 119th Street to the jetty south of 123rd Street.  Dune restoration is also planned in these areas.

    We continue to assure prospective tenants and buyers- Avalon and Stone Harbor are definitely ready for summer 2013!