Hearing from loyal 7 Mile Beach vacationers; they are concerned about us, the town, and of course…the beach.
Beach access remains limited until the paths are repaired. Many walkways were damaged or partially washed away by Sandy.
When you walk along the beach, you will see erosion to the dunes (varies by location). Yet, the ocean DID NOT breach our sand dunes- great news!
And, you will also see this:Â a beautiful beach and ocean!Â
A whole new level of appreciation for our little island…
A portion of the rock wall along Avalon’s inlet was damaged in last week’s storm.
There was also some erosion to the sand next to the 8th Street jetty. I took these pictures today at high tide, and waves were breaking over the rocks.
The ocean side of the rock wall is intact.
Thanks to our vehicle beach permit and a few quick beach walks, I have been able to check on the status of the Avalon and Stone Harbor beaches.
Avalon- very fortunate that the dunes held, especially in the north end. Most beach paths end with a steep cliff, with obvious beach erosion. Yet there IS beach!
From 30th Street and south through the 60’s, the paths are level and only exhibit minor damage. There is a bit more dune exposure in the 70’s.
Stone Harbor – The dunes took a hit in the 80’s, yet that section of dune was well established and provided great protection. The downtown beach entrances (wooden walkways) will need repair. South of town, the dunes were more narrow and are damaged. The walkway at Nuns’ Beach is free standing when previously it was sitting over a dune.
South of 111th Street, the beach paths are more level with the beach (fewer cliffs), yet debris blocks the paths.
There was serious erosion of the dunes down by the Hobie Cat beach.  The landscape of the Point is changed (the natural sand dunes washed over), yet the long, sandy stretch is still there for the birds…and fishermen.
After retrieving my car from the other side of the bridge, I was able to drive around and post pictures/ updates on Twitter. See my Twitter site to browse through.
Overview: the bay front and adjacent streets took the brunt of the storm. Many docks were damaged. Marsh reeds everywhere. Flood waters entered low lying areas 🙁
The flood waters and heavy rain had nowhere to drain, and therefore traveled much farther than we have ever seen. Marsh reeds and debris were carried in the water and deposited in yards all around the island.
On the beach side of the island, the dunes held strong. There was serious beach erosion, yet no worse than I have seen in past major storms. Most beach paths end with a steep cliff (blocked off for safety). The dune fencing washed away – leaving just sticks in the sand. Wood ramps are in pieces; hanging in mid-air.
The inlet area of Avalon was battered. This is the one area where I saw sand in the street. At the First Avenue and 7th Street parking area, there were jetty boulders that actually washed over- as well as a section of the metal sea wall.
The lagoon area of Avalon is in good shape. Homeowners reported that the bay did rise over the bulkhead (not a common event)- and there is extensive dock damage.
The business district in both towns were hard hit. Many ground level buildings had several feet of water inside. It drained by the following day, yet left major damage. Today, weary business owners were tossing, mopping, and cleaning their way through. Â Sad…
As a community, we are grateful. The devastation in nearby shore towns puts it all in perspective.
Hard to maintain my optimism while viewing the many awful pictures posted on Twitter and Facebook.
Glad for the connections to know what’s happening…I think.
Trying to maintain perspective- objects/property versus safety. But it’s SO hard not to dwell on the potential loss.
We left the island at 3pm yesterday. It was very hard, but I guess because Irene gave us a practice run last year…I wasn’t a complete basket case this time.
If you are reading my blog, I know you understand.
My “home” is not just the 4 walls and a roof. It’s the entire island. I am worrying about every block, every sand dune, every business, every landmark.
Also thinking about adjacent shore communities – home to family and friends.
Grateful to be in a safe place while we wait.
Hey Sandy…what’s the deal? This is our quiet off season. We don’t need all of this commotion 😉
Unfortunately, the storm track looks serious for Cape May County, especially the island communities. Â
Will post more updates as we know more. In the meantime, it’s a beautiful day at the shore! Crazy…
The vacation home market continues to thrive.Â
In the last 30 days, 39 properties SOLD (settlement) in Avalon and Stone Harbor, with a median selling price of $1,030,000.
From that total, 11 condo/townhouse units sold, ranging from $500,000 for an ocean view 2 bed/2bath unit in Golden Shores; to $1,300,000 for an ocean front townhouse style unit on 28th Street and the boardwalk.
26 single family homes sold, ranging from $525,000 for a basic rancher on 78th Street (across from the Concord Suites), to $5,325,000 for an ocean front home on 109th Street (will be torn down). The median selling price for single family homes: $1,325,000.
There were 2 multi-family properties sold- a duplex on 99th Street for $682,600, and a four-plex on 30th Street for $850,000 (both sold for land value).
In addition, there are 71 properties sale pending, with settlement scheduled to occur within the next few months.
If you would like more details regarding market values in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please let me know ann@anndelaney.com  I appreciate your interest!
New Sale Listing:Â Completely renovated 1st floor bay front condominium with easy access to the bay, dock, and boat slip.Â
3 bedrooms, 2 full baths.  A wonderful year round get a way. $725,000 furnished.
1322 Ocean Drive, Unit 12, Avalon NJ 08202
Â
The annual Avalon Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival takes place this weekend.
29th Street and Avalon Avenue (beach parking lot); Â Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 5pm.
Local food vendors, music, and crafts.
Also, on Saturday, walk next door the Community Hall for the Green Fair- 10am to 3pm.
The retail shops in Avalon and Stone Harbor are open for the long weekend, too-Â showing their appreciation for your business with end of season sales!