Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • More FEMA/Flood Zone info

    An important statement from Stockton College coastal engineering expert Stewart Farrell in today’s edition of The Press of Atlantic City  (credit to reporter Sara Watson):

    Farrell also brought up the concerns many residents have about the advisory flood maps adopted by emergency order in January as the state standard for rebuilding.

    While elevations in the advisory maps are not necessarily contested because the data are strong, Farrell said, what is contested is the expanded highest-risk velocity zone to include areas along the bay as well as some interior areas of barrier islands and mainland shore communities.

    Farrell said he expects those zones to be scaled back significantly due to a wave analysis model that still has to be completed. Additionally, Farrell said, “bay waves are nowhere near as energetic as ocean waves.”

    We are hearing similar statements from construction/zoning officials in Avalon and Stone Harbor regarding the far reaching v zone classification. Unfortunately, this will take time to resolve.

  • “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).

  • Saturday Sights

    Bright sunshine…with the dunes blocking the chilly breeze.  Pretty morning on the beach before work!

    Saturday

  • Beach Views

    Last night, we were able to watch the full moon rise…AND the International Space Station glide over the beach!  A Twitter friend provided the details from NASA- so we knew where to look.  The steady light arrived just on time from the bay side.  We watched it slowly pass over head before it disappeared over the ocean.  Very cool!

    moon

     

  • Beach Buddies

    Chilly morning, yet the calm ocean and warm sun inspired a long walk.  Full moon tonight- looking forward to dinner (Wawa sandwiches) in the Jeep, and on the beach 🙂

    ducks

  • Sunday Sights

    Big waves at high tide this morning.  The sun appeared as I drove to the office.  Looks like a nice day for showing houses 🙂

    P.S. Very active sale market in Avalon and Stone Harbor– there are currently 43 properties posted “under contract” with settlements scheduled over the next few months.

    Sundaywaves

  • 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!

     

     

     

  • Boardwalk Wildlife

    catLast night I was reading about various vacation options for the fall (always planning ahead); with one island bragging about the numerous sea turtles found on their beach.

    I was thinking about that article this morning as we walked along the Avalon boardwalk, and spotted our famous wildlife: feral cats!  Are we missing a marketing opportunity??

    Feral cats were once just an Avalon Manor legend (with stories similar to those of the Jersey Devil and Big Foot). Then somehow, the gang of felines found their way across the bridge to gather under the boardwalk.

    Today, the cats are well fed by volunteers, and neutered to limit their numbers.  They will occasionally startle a walker on a quiet winter day, yet for the most part, keep to themselves around the Community Hall or in sunny spots along the dunes.

  • Crawl Space Vents

    vents

    Re-posting this information (originally posted 4/4/2011). Shore homeowners may face the required crawl space venting issue when renewing their current flood insurance policy.   

     

    I attended an interesting seminar today regarding flood vents (I am such a house nerd).

    The cost for flood insurance is based on the elevation of the home (how high it sits off of the ground), and proper venting of the structure.   If the venting does not conform to current codes, the home owner will pay a substantially higher insurance premium.

    Basic facts:  the bottom of all vents can be no higher than 12″ above grade (for example- the upper row of vents shown in the photo are disqualified); the standard sliding aluminum vents must be disabled in the open position to qualify (not practical in the winter months with exposed pipes); garages and detached buildings must be vented; and if the inside grade on all 4 walls of the crawl space is lower than the outside grade, insurance regulations classify the space as a basement.

    Engineered vents (such as SmartVents) are common in new construction, and can be installed to retrofit an exisiting house to conform to code.  For more information: http://www.smartvent.com/  or contact your insurance agent.

  • Shore Tourism

    PierGrateful for the media efforts reminding shore visitors: “We are Open”.  It’s an important message after months of devastating images and requests for financial help for our shore neighbors to the north.

    Prospective tenants ask about the condition of our beaches and businesses; and after reassurances, are ready to commit to a vacation rental. Buyers are able to see first hand as they tour homes and condos.  We know how fortunate we are to start our 2013 season with such normalcy.

    A reporter and photographer from Penn Live (Patriot News of Central Pennsylvania) are currently touring the southern Jersey shore -Cape May to Atlantic City- and posting updates.  You can read their posts HERE , and  today’s post  HERE  (disclaimer- I’m quoted!)