Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News

  • More FEMA info

    The Press of Atlantic City continues to be a great source of solid, factual information regarding the new FEMA flood elevation regulations.

    For example, in today’s edition, there’s an article about a meeting with Atlantic County officials and state representatives: Click here to read

    An important quote from another recent article:

    “The explanation stresses that the advisory maps do not affect current flood insurance rates and that any increases that property owners are seeing is related to a congressional effort to make the deeply indebted National Flood Insurance Program stronger financially and, thus, are not under the state’s control. However, when new flood insurance rate maps are finalized, likely within two years, those whose houses have base flood elevations lower than the maps require will see a substantial increase in flood insurance if they don’t raise the homes”.  To read the full article, click here

    If you are on Twitter, be sure to follow Press reporters for updates:  @acpresssarah        @wjmckelvey       @steveleongello

    I will re-tweet (RT) articles, and post updates here as additional information becomes available.

  • How’s the Beach?

    The beach fill project in Avalon is complete, and the Stone Harbor portion is scheduled for late spring (a completion date before Memorial Day weekend guaranteed).

    In the meantime, our beaches all look great to me!

    Widebeach

     

  • Flood Elevation Maps

    UPDATE: I published the post below on 12/16/12, and in the meantime, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie issued an executive order approving the new FEMA maps- therefore requiring all municipalities to follow the guidelines until further notice.  I am happy to answer your questions (to the best of my ability) regarding these changes.

     

    FEMA recently modified the flood zone designations and building height requirements for our area. These determinations were made prior to Sandy, yet are relevant as home owners look to renovate or rebuild their low lying structures.

    Prior to the changes, it was rare to see a “V” (high velocity) zone classification in Avalon or Stone Harbor (typically limited to the inlet/ocean). Now, much of the bay area falls under the “V” classification, too.

    Click on the interactive FEMA Website and enter your shore property address.  The results will display the proposed flood zone and building height requirements.

    Quote from The Press of Atlantic City, Sunday 12/16/12:

    “While these maps were released as information only, with final maps expected sometime this summer, municipalities can adopt the data into their zoning codes, said Ryan Pietramali, risk analysis branch chief for FEMA, on Friday. That could mean homeowners whose houses suffered damage during Sandy that totaled at least 50 percent of the building’s value may be forced to rebuild to new building codes, such as raising houses and rebuilding on driven piling”.

  • Clarification of Beach Fill Schedule

    duneAs reported in today’s The Press of Atlantic City , the dredge is actively pumping sand on the beaches of Avalon.  Beaches from 9th Street through 25th Street will be restored- with completion expected (weather permitting) by the end of January.

    The dredge will then travel to Fire Island,New York for a replenishment project there. And then return to Stone Harbor for the next phase of the island-wide beach fill.

    In Stone Harbor, the beaches from 92nd Street through 114th Streets, and from 119th Street to just south of the 123rd Street beach entrance will receive new sand.  Both communities will benefit from newly planted dune grass, dune fencing, and restored handicap beach entrances. By contract, the entire project MUST be completed by May 23rd.

    In the meantime, public works employees in Stone Harbor are shoring the dunes with piles of sand to avoid further damage.

    All good news for our 2013 season!

  • 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

     

     

  • Scenic Walks

    Color on a dreary December day…

  • What’s Open?

    Dining options in Avalon and Stone Harbor during the holidays:

    Wawa- Avalon closed for renovations after Sandy; Stone Harbor open.  Alternatives for your coffee fix- Avalon Coffee is open every day; Coffee Talk on weekends.

    Uncle Bill’s- Stone Harbor closed for the season; Avalon is open 7am- 2pm year round.  Also for breakfast/lunch- Pudgie Pelican and Brian’s Waffle House.  Maggie’s sold at the end of the summer- new owners are renovating.

    Seven Mile Island Deli at 31st and Dune Drive, Tonio’s on 25th and Ocean Drive, Circle Pizza, and Nemo’s on 97th and Third Avenue for a quick lunch (or pizza).  Also, Fred’s Tavern and Circle Tavern for typical bar fare, plus dinner specials.

    Dinner:  Concord Cafe is open Thursday-Sunday.  Rocking n’ Chair has a similar schedule. Grand Moon for take-out (every day except Monday). The dining room at the Golden Inn and The Sea Grill are open year round (as well as the places mentioned above).

    For off island options- The Bellevue Tavern (lunch and dinner) and Main Street Cafe (BYOB for dinner) on Route 9 in Cape May Court House are both great options.

    P.S.  Additions: Stone Harbor Pizza, Jack’s Shack, Harbor Pub, and Cafe Noir – sorry! Also, the Windrift is advertising a New Year’s Eve event.  And, this is “last call” weekend at the Concord Cafe.

  • Festive Friday

    A long list of family friendly activities and events in Avalon today (11am to 4pm).  Stop by the Power Play Realty office – we are giving away our logo drawstring backpacks.

    At 5pm, join your shore neighbors for the annual Christmas tree lighting at the circle (Veteran’s Plaza)- with live music starting at 4pm.

    Later in Stone Harbor, it’s hospitality night along 96th Street.

    Perfect weather for a day/night of shopping local, too. Your business is appreciated!

     

  • An Island Thanksgiving

    There will be live music and family activities throughout the shopping districts in Avalon and Stone Harbor– including the “grand” parade at 6:30pm Saturday!

    Be sure to pick up a copy of the Seven Mile Times for a complete schedule of holiday events.

    Power Play Realty will once again participate in the Festival of Trees. Creatively decorated trees and wreaths will be on display at the Whitebrier Motor Boat Club on 21st Street, Avalon . Bidding begins on Wednesday at 5pm; with winning bids announced after the town tree lighting Friday night.

    If you are in downtown Avalon during the day, please stop by our office and say hello.  We will be giving away Power Play Realty draw string back packs on Festive Friday.

  • Back to Business

    If I can help you, or a friend with real estate (sales/rentals) in Avalon, Stone Harbor, NJ please let me know.

    Search the Power Play Realty web site  and contact me with questions:   ann@anndelaney.com

    Thank you!

    I appreciate the business…and the opportunity to help.