Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News

  • Weathering Storms

    This is a quote from a blog post I wrote in 2007:

    Every location has its share of natural events: hurricanes, mud slides, wild fires, earth quakes, tornados, floods, blizzards, etc.  For each beautiful area in the country, there is an associated weather issue. We prefer to focus on positive side, and hopefully, are smart when dealing with the reality of Mother Nature.

    I needed that pep talk after seeing the beach erosion in Stone Harbor during my morning walk 🙁   Picture taken at high tide, of an already “Sandy weary” section of sand.

    Thankfully, the beach fill project is starting soon…

    SaturdayBeach

  • All Good!

    Thankfully, the over night tide was no worse than the high tide in the afternoon.  The flooding was significant in the low lying areas, yet not unusual for a typical winter storm.

    Stone Harbor Boulevard remains closed for repairs to the poles- crews will be working there today.

    The sun has returned and it will be very spring like by the weekend 🙂

    Pictures from yesterday:  7th Street and First Avenue at the inlet, and Ocean Drive at 69th Street looking south, Avalon.

    P.S.  Just completed another quick tour and posted beach pictures on Twitter.  The beach erosion in Avalon was minimal.  New sand from the recent beach fill is still holding on. And workers are back at Wawa preparing for the 3/14 re-opening!

    5pm–  Took a walk along a section of the beach in Stone Harbor.  Unfortunately, the Sandy damaged dunes faced more abuse during this storm. There is limited beach at high tide, and the wooden ramps and pavilion need additional repairs. Thankfully, the beach replenishment project is on schedule to start later this month.  Posted a few pictures on Twitter.

    InletWednesday

     

     

  • “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).

  • Understanding Flood Zones

    HouseliftThe proposed FEMA/New Jersey flood zones and elevation requirements are the topic of much discussion- even more so since Governor Christie ordered the guidelines be followed for re-construction of homes damaged by Sandy.

    Although much of the island remains in the “A” zone for flood insurance purposes, the bayside areas of Avalon and Stone Harbor were reclassified as “V” zones.  To view the proposed flood zone and elevation requirement for your shore property, refer to the FEMA Map, and enter the local address in the box above the map (it defaults to Newark Airport).

    According to statements made by FEMA representatives, municipalities will have the opportunity to debate the specific locations of the V zones, yet the elevation requirements will likely remain at the proposed levels.  Final approval of the maps may take a full year.

    I have a better understanding of the value of  V zone construction requirements after recent conversations with 2 different bay front property owners.  Although they did not experience any water inside their homes, the force of the moving water jarred their foundation- causing structural issues inside the home (first noticed as major cracks along interior walls on the 2nd floor).  If the water had not met resistance and instead flowed under the homes, the damage may not have occurred.   The new construction code for V zone locations requires the structure to be on piers rather than a solid block foundation (the piers can be cosmetically covered with break away walls)- allowing water to flow freely under the elevated building.

    If you have any questions regarding these changes, I am happy to answer to the best of my ability, or direct you to someone who can help.

    P.S. Link to interesting article posted 2/28/13 in The Cape May County Herald

     

     

  • 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!

     

     

     

  • 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!)

  • Stone Harbor- Primary Residents

    This information was distributed by the Stone Harbor Realty Owners Association– and applies to year round residents (primary home owners) only:
    (Stone Harbor, NJ)— The Borough of Stone Harbor, New Jersey will be making an application through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Program for a grant to qualified property owners to elevate their homes.  This is a reimbursement grant; therefore, should funds be made available, the property owner will be responsible for hiring and paying their contractor in full, and for providing a receipt to the Borough of Stone Harbor for reimbursement submission.
    The grant may provide 50-75% of the cost to elevate.  The remaining 25-50% cost share, plus any administrative cost born by the Borough must be provided by the property owner.  The Municipal Engineer estimates the average project cost to range from between $50,000 and $110,000.
    Should funds be available, properties awarded funds would be required to post an escrow with the Borough of Stone Harbor prior to the commencement of any work to cover administrative costs.Persons interested in being placed on the list may visit the Construction Office located in Stone Harbor Borough Hall at 9501 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, New Jersey.  They may also call Zoning Official Joanne Mascia at (609) 368-6813.  Please note:  Intent to participate in this program should be made on or before Friday, February 22, 2013.

  • Recycling Made Easier

    As of April 1st, Cape May County will participate in “single stream recycling”.  This will allow property owners and tenants to place ALL of their recycling items together in bins for pick up.

    Realistically, rental properties will still need several general recycling bins to hold the items for the weekly pick up.

    In Avalon and Stone Harbor, cans are picked up manually.  Therefore, size/weight restrictions for all trash containers remain in place.

     

    Excerpt from an article posted 2/13/13 in The Middle Township Gazette (www.shorenewstoday.com)

    STONE HARBOR – The borough is preparing to collect recyclables into one container later this year.

    Property owners will receive a four-page brochure that details how recyclable materials can be placed into a single container.

    Single-stream recycling begins April 1 in Cape May County.

    The materials accepted include plastic containers; tin, steel, and aluminum cans; glass; cardboard; magazines; newspapers and other paper products.

    “The goal is to improve the percentage of the waste stream dedicated towards recycling,” reads a statement from the borough. “That effort will also reduce tipping fees paid by the borough.”

    A tipping fee is how much the borough pays to take garage to the landfill.

    Items that cannot be placed in recycling cans include regular trash, food contaminated boxes, polystyrene packaging, window glass, paint cans, beverage cups and light bulbs. Containers must not be larger than 32 gallons.

  • Perks of the Job

    As an admitted “house stalker”, my job is a perfect fit.  Today, I was able to preview an INCREDIBLE custom home for sale in Stone Harbor.  Over-sized lot with a main house, plus a 2 bedroom guest house. Large pool with adjacent summer kitchen and fireplace/sitting area. Beautifully decorated, too.  Click here  to see the pictures/details.  And then let me know how many times you say “wow”!  Or, even better…if you know someone looking for a special family home.

    Another perk of living/working on the island?  Checking out the ever changing view 🙂

    views

     

  • What’s Selling?

    salesignJanuary and February are typically slow months for settlements. We are showing/selling properties, and buyers are making commitments to settle within the next few months (currently, there are 43 properties sale pending in Avalon and Stone Harbor).

    During the last 30 days, a total of 14 properties SOLD (settlement); with an overall median selling price of $964,500.

    2 of the 14 were commercial spaces; 4 condo/townhouse units; and 8 single family homes.  The median selling price of the single family homes was $1,742,500.

    If you would like additional information regarding market values, please let me know  ann@anndelaney.com   I appreciate your business!