Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • What’s New for 2013?

    1) Renovated stores and restaurants: unfortunately, many were forced to remodel because of Sandy.   Hoy’s 5 & 10 in Avalon is cleared out in preparation of the necessary repairs.  Marabella’s in Stone Harbor will have a new look by early spring.   And of course, Avalon residents anxiously await the re-opening of Wawa!

    2) Roadway repairs: the damaged section of Ocean Drive on the Avalon side of the Townsends Inlet Bridge is scheduled to be repaired in March. First Avenue in Stone Harbor- drainage work continues to allow for the eventual removal of the pipes along the beach.

    3) Beaches: the island is so fortunate- a beach fill project was scheduled even before Sandy. The dredge is in place, and the dredging company employees are preparing for the arrival of the heavy equipment.  Damaged dunes will be restored, and our beaches will be in great shape for the 2013 summer season.

    4) The Bank of America building on 96th Street and Second Avenue will be demolished to make way for a new Stone Harbor Public Library.

    5) The Reeds Hotel & Spa is expected to open this summer. Construction continues daily at 96th Street and Third Avenue.

    I enjoyed the New Year’s Eve sunrise (pictured)…and look forward to many more in 2013!

    NYESunrise

     

     

  • Sales in 2012

    salesignWhat’s selling in Avalon and Stone Harbor?

    A total of 370 properties SOLD on the island last year; with an overall median selling price of $900,000.

    Of those sold, 218 were single family homes, ranging from a low of $425,000 (cottage on Bower Court in Stone Harbor), to a high of $6,600,000 (ocean front “tear down” on an over sized lot in Stone Harbor).  The median selling price of all single family homes: $1,312,500.

    There were 120 condo/townhouse style units sold, ranging from $179,500 (condo/hotel at the Beachcomber in Avalon), to $1,300,000 (ocean front side by side unit on 28th Street in Avalon).

    Trends for 2013?  New construction continues to be a popular choice.  And modern updates in existing homes are appreciated (new kitchen, baths, etc.).

    If you would like additional information regarding property values in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please let me know.  I appreciate the opportunity to help!

  • Hello!

    Glad to be back on line.

  • Back to Work

    With a few days of bad weather during my time off, I had HOURS to watch HGTV.  My favorites? Property Brothers and Love It or List It.

    So, before I order a Snuggie from a TV commercial…I better get back to work 🙂

    Happy New (work) Year!

  • 2012

    Year end review.

    Thankfully, 2012 was a better year for those of us in the real estate business.  Sales and summer rentals improved over prior years. And, confidence in our seashore market has definitely returned.

    Local retail and restaurant owners seemed pleased with the season; with one pizza shop guy even proclaiming it was his “best summer ever”.

    Personally, I was fortunate to juggle a busy work schedule with a few great trips and family time.  And of course, walk on the beach, kayak, etc. on a regular basis!

    Together, we faced the challenge of Sandy.  A stressful situation that ultimately united all Jersey shore residents and property owners.  I continue to be overwhelmed by the hardship of so many…yet moved by the stories of kindness.  How fortunate we are to resume our day to day lives.

    So, on to 2013.  Renewed appreciation for our surroundings…renewed optimism for our island economy…and renewed enthusiasm for the year ahead.

    Happy New Year!

     

  • Windy!

    It’s so windy that Santa (see my Christmas Eve post) threw himself onto the ground and asked to be relocated inside!  He will finish the holiday season looking out from the comfort of our front porch 😉

  • Beach Replenishment

    Spotted the dredge by the Townsends Inlet Bridge (moved in from the inlet during yesterday’s storm), and employees from the dredging company on 32nd Street preparing for the arrival of heavy duty equipment.

    The beach fill (for both Avalon and Stone Harbor) was approved prior to Sandy. Good news for summer 2013!

    Will post updates once the project is underway.

  • The REAL Seashore Santa

    Santa– the life size painted, cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.

    Santa began his life of service in the early 1960’s at my parents’ first house in Avalon.  He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs.  Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire” .

    In the 1970’s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace.  The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.

    In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go.  Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach.  In the 1980’s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!

    When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990’s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home.  Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shore”.

    Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.   Several years ago, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!

    Now approaching 50 years old, Santa is showing some signs of wear (aren’t we all).  I thought about asking an artist to do a “touch up”, but it just doesn’t seem right.   It’s good to remember that so much time has passed- it helps us to celebrate the journey.

    Merry Christmas!

    This entry was originally posted Christmas 2008. I think it deserves an annual repeat.

  • Early Christmas

    Celebrating our Christmas this weekend with family out of state…and again this week with our New Jersey family. Merry, merry!  🙂

  • Ready for the Beach!

    Received an early Christmas present- Thanks, Mom 🙂

    Looking forward to pinning them to my beach bag- a nice thought on a dreary December day…