There are several quirky words/phrases commonly used by island residents.
Here’s a quick primer:
The Five & Dime (original reference for Hoy’s 5 & 10)
Off shore (description of the mainland communities; typically Cape May Court House)
Second Avenue (Dune Drive in Stone Harbor)
Third Avenue (Ocean Drive in Stone Harbor, AND a street near the inlet in Avalon…confusing!)
Gully (tidal pool)
Sandbar (the high spot in the ocean just past the gully that the lifeguards allow you to reach mid tide)
Observations from my walks:
A new gelato shop on the north side of 96th Street (near Global Pursuit) and a creperie across the street just below 96th Street Pub.
Douglass Candies moved in to the corner spot at 96th and Third Avenue (previously the glass shop).
Eco-Alley moved from the opposite corner (next to Green Cuisine) just across the street on Third Avenue (near the Christmas Paisley Shop). Â Gypsy Lane (a design company) now occupies the corner location.
Waypoint (gift shop) moved from the alley at 97th Street to a street front location (previously Christina’s). Â And next door, there are signs for a market (thinking a gourmet deli?).
Spiaggetta Trattoria on the corner of 98th and Third Avenue is expanding with a panini shop – using the space of the former barber shop next door.
The exterior of the Coffee Talk building received an attractive facelift, and a new tenant: Fishin’ Pier Grill South (open for breakfast and lunch).
And of course we are all waiting for the grand opening of the new movie theater!
Selling real estate on the island for 30+ years, I can’t tell you how many home owners proclaim that their property is located “on the highest part of the island”.  I’ve even heard my husband make the claim about our street when talking with neighbors!
For clarification, the Borough of Stone Harbor provides supporting data – a color coded brochure mailed to each property owner (and available on their web site):
http://stone-harbor-nj.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/GeneralElevationMapColor.pdf
The green sections are the true “highest points” in Stone Harbor. Most are along the beach/ dunes, and in the south end past the Bird Sanctuary. The white areas are next, and cover most of the blocks between First and Second Avenues. The blocks between Second and Third Avenues are a mixture of white and yellow elevations. In my experience, the yellow areas will see standing water in the street during a heavy rain storm/high tide combination. The bayside of town is mostly orange, with sections of pink (the lowest elevation). These areas will flood during storms. Residents are told to move their cars to avoid salt water damage. Flooding may be limited to the street and just over the sidewalk- but potential buyers should be aware of the situation.
The elevation levels in Avalon follow a similar pattern- Â the highest sections are closer to the beach rather than along the bay (with the exception of the man-made lagoon area- Pelican, Seagull, Flamingo, and Heron Drives).
Bottom line? When you live in a beautiful community surrounded by water, understanding the lay of the land is just part of the deal 🙂
Both Avalon and Stone Harbor provide Bulk Trash pick up days in May to help with spring cleaning of your garage, shed, closets, etc.
Specifics from the Borough web site:
Curbside placement of old furniture, appliances and “junk†permitted within 72 hours prior to these dates. Construction debris will not be removed.
In Avalon, bulk trash pick up starts this Friday April 29th, and continues until after the Borough wide yard sale weekend.  All items to be on the curb no later than Monday, May 9th.
In Stone Harbor, curb side pick up is the following Monday, May 16th.
How did this happen?
After years (and years…and years) of walking the beach and kayaking in the back bay, I can now identify several species of shore birds by sight, and even by sound.
This time of year, I am entertained by the precise fishing skills of the ospreys.
And, I try to photograph the colorful and fast moving  American oystercatchers.
There are at least 6 hanging out near the Point in the south end of Stone Harbor (traveling in pairs).
I posted earlier in the week about the Avalon beaches.
In Stone Harbor, the beaches from 80th Street to the down town area are in great shape (picture of the 88th Street pavilion below). Â Use caution when walking along the 84th Street area while the Borough completes the drain pipe removal.
South of 96th Street, the public works department is actively making repairs to the dune paths for better access. Â There are still a few in need of more sand to even out the slope (picture of the 108th Street path).
The beach widens again south of Nuns’ Beach (111th Street) and all those paths are in good shape.
Due to beach erosion near the Point, the Borough will not be able to accommodate the Hobie Cats this summer (typically 121st and south to the jetty).
And until all beach access points are repaired, many paths remain closed for safety reasons.
The Borough of Stone Harbor continues to work on street drainage (from the storm drains), and removal of the unsightly pipes on the beach.
Yes, you read that right!
After years of bumping along with a steady market, sellers are benefiting from strong buyer interest, and sometimes even multiple offers.
Buyers are savvy, and recognize a well priced sale listing.
If you are thinking about selling (maybe it’s time to move up??) please give me call to discuss values.
Thank you for your interest!   ann@anndelaney.com    609-967-7950
Have you or your family finalized vacation plans for summer 2016?
Our agency represents a wide variety of homes and condos for rent in Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ.
Visit our web site:  Tim Kerr’s Power Play Realty to review options.
And, always worthwhile to email/talk with me for a complete perspective of locations and amenities.
Thank you for your business and referrals!
ann@anndelaney.com
This is BIG news for the island.
The new owners of the 96th Street movie theater are in the process of a major renovation project.
Read the details in  The Press of Atlantic City
