Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Avalon, New Jersey- News

  • Treasure Hunting

    Save the date:  bulk trash pick up is scheduled in Avalon and Stone Harbor for Monday, May 11th.  Homeowners are permitted to put items to the curb the weekend prior.

    Two ways to enjoy this event- 1) sitting in your house watching others make their selections (fun to guess what they will take); or 2) going out and searching for treasures yourself (best at dark so your neighbors can’t see you!).   This is an earth friendly event- fewer items for the landfill by the time the trucks drive around for the final collection.

    I will clean out our storage space…to make room for the “new to us” bicycles that are bound to find their way to our home   🙂

  • Avalon Beach Replenishment

    http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/181/story/448732.html

    Article in today’s Press regarding the north end beaches of Avalon.  Sand will be delivered by trucks to 10th, 12th, and 15th Streets, and spread by heavy machinery from 9th through 18th Streets.  All in time for the 2009 beach season.

     No word yet about the pending Stone Harbor beach fill project (between 98th and 111th Streets).  Survey markers are in place near the dune line, but no other activity to date.

  • Avalon Boardwalk

    100_0771

    The re-construction of the Avalon boardwalk is partially complete.

    Nice, smooth boards for early morning bike rides or evening walks. 

    The light wood will eventually darken from the elements-  ice cream drips and spilled soda!

  • Beach Tags

    stoneharborbeachtag  Avalon and Stone Harbor beach tags are available for pre-season order through each municipality.  Tags are reciprocal between the two towns, and the cost is the same as last year- $19 if purchased prior to May 31st. 

    For more information:

    http://www.avalonboro.org/  

     http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/

  • Market Stats

    pavillion-2  January 1st through today:   49 properties posted as sold or under contract in the Cape May County Multiple Listing Service for Avalon and Stone Harbor.   16 of those are the converted condos  at 79th and Dune Drive called Ocean View (selling $350,000 to $400,000 range).  The highest price for a sale pending is $5 million.  The  average is $1,085,000.

    Interest rates continue to be in the 5% range for conforming loans; 6% for loans over $417,000.   Just like the “old days”,  lenders want to see income to qualify for the loan,  and good credit- what a concept!

    If you are interested in purchasing a summer home, send me an e-mail with your wish list.   You might be pleasantly surprised with the options available.

    I appreciate the opportunity to help  🙂

  • Open for Business

    The locals and seasonal residents appreciate the additional dining options on the weekends:  Marabella’s in Stone Harbor has been open the past few weekends; The Concord Cafe will be open as of March 27th, and The Windrift (newly renovated) will be open next weekend.   Peeked in the windows of Henny’s-  the carpet has been ripped up and the restaurant is empty- heard a rumor last fall that an Avalon restaurant will be moving in this summer.    P.S.  Just read a post on Jen Miller’s Blog confirming that Black Fish from Avalon will be moving to the Henny’s location- grand opening on May 8th.

    http://thelatestdish.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/chef-chip-roman-to-open-blackfish-stone-harbor/

    Open for Business– a sign of spring at the shore!

  • Off Topic

    Not real estate or shore related, just sharing an opinion:  watched the HBO movie “Taking Chance” over the weekend.  When I am still thinking about a movie a few days later, I know it was worthwhile.  Dover, Delaware  and Philadelphia are an important part of the storyline- another reason the movie has a strong emotional pull.

    http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/

  • Avalon Park- 74th Street

    playground-2.jpg  I drive by this park everyday- officially known as the Marion Armacost Memorial Park- but haven’t seen it up close for some time.  There is a large playground area suitable for young children, plus swings for the young at heart.  And bird watchers will appreciate the walkway to a platform viewing area.  A great walking destination if you live nearby.

  • Traffic Conditions

    detour.jpg  Oh, the difficulties of driving at the shore in February.  Detours on Ocean Drive by the 21st Street bridge, Dune Drive at 67th Street, one lane of the 96th Street bridge, and Third Avenue down by the Bird Sanctuary.  It makes for an exhausting commute.  Thank goodness we don’t have to deal with many cars as we weave our way through the island…that would be just too much to handle  😉

  • Tax Assessments

    Cape May County property owners recently received the annual green postcard stating the current tax assessment for their property. 

    If your property is located in Stone Harbor, the data is new for 2009.  Otherwise, it’s likely your assessment is the same as posted last year.  Each town is re-assessed at different times based on requirements from the county tax office.

    In average times, we like that our assessment stays the same each year as our property value increases.  Eventually, the town is required by law to reassess to bring the figures up to fair market value.

    Unfortunately, in the current market, the higher assessments stand out. 

    If you decide to challenge your assessment, you must provide data to support fair market value as of October 1, 2008 (settlements after 10/1/08 will not be considered).

    To obtain an application for an appeal, contact the Cape May County Tax Board (609) 465-1030.  Or, call your local tax assessor for more information.

    Link to Cape May County Board of Taxation web site:

    http://www.co.cape-may.nj.us/cit-e-access/webpage.cfm?TID=5&TPID=2836