Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News

  • Service With A Smile (behind a mask)

    I wonder if some of the conveniences offered by local businesses can remain in place after the crisis?

    For instance, I returned Comcast equipment the other day on behalf of a property owner- and wow, what an easy process (compared to past experiences).

    And how about: take out food delivered to the back of your car, streamlined drop off for car service at the dealership, and CVS mailing prescriptions?

    Social distancing guidelines will require changes to the way our office does business, too.  And in the process, we hope to make the rental check in routine more efficient.

    Change is hard.  But change can also help us to improve.  That’s the goal.

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  • Best Guess?

    Property owners and summer tenants are asking for my thoughts on this summer.

    Of course I don’t know…but I will share my current expectations:

    1) The local municipalities will want to avoid a mad rush to the shore, therefore, Memorial Day weekend will have to be low key.

    2) The mayors are working together on a limited opening of the beaches in May (exercise and fishing only)- possibly for specific hours of the day.

    3) Second homeowners will be officially welcomed back, yet the ban on short term rentals and hotel guests is likely to extend until after Memorial Day weekend.  This will allow for a “soft” opening.

    4) Restaurants are requesting flexibility with towns regarding outside seating.

    5) When beaches fully open, social distancing requirements will be expected.

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  • Island Parks

    Looking for “views” on a dreary day:

    The Armacost Park on 74th and Ocean Drive, and the Stone Harbor public marina on 80th and the bay.

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  • Thoughts for Summer, continued

    The owner of Relax Concierge (a successful linen and beach equipment rental company)  responded to my recent post regarding expectations for Summer 2020:

    All owners should have 2 sets of bedding for each bed ( comforters, mattress pads, pillows). Even if they aren’t cleaned each week it gives the bedding a week to rest.     I recommend this anyway for when renters mistakenly take home a pillow sham.  It drives some tenants crazy.  I totally get it.

    Owners should arrange for some extra cleaning time.   Create a cleaning check list that includes all touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, railings that are not normally on cleaning schedule.  Possibly also include the surface checklist to show renters what was done for peace of mind.

    Houses with really nice kitchens will be at a premium since many guests will probably prefer to dine in more often.

    I’m hopeful that our linen service will be still desired since guests may not want to bring from home and that our guests know we take cleaning very seriously.   I will continue to post about our cleaning procedures as we prepare to reopen. 

    All the best,
    Erin

    Regarding the additional cleaning, our agency has discussed extending the change over time to allow cleaning services the opportunity to tackle the extra tasks.

     

  • Vision for Summer 2020?

    Government officials are beginning to prepare us for the new normal.  We will not be suddenly freed from our homes to resume our prior lives.

    So what should we expect this summer at the shore?

    My random thoughts:

    Beach tag inspectors enforcing social distancing between family groups (will be challenging on the busier beaches).

    Extra life guard stands so that guards can spread out.

    Designer cloth masks to match bathing suits and beach cover ups (idea for the local surf shops!)

    Restaurants with outdoor dining will be preferred- and should definitely incorporate air circulation for comfort, and to ward off those pesky gnats!

    Families will be comfortable vacationing in properties where they can control the cleanliness.  Homes with pools will become even more popular because the occupants can isolate and enjoy their time away.

    We are fortunate that Avalon and Stone Harbor offer plenty of open spaces- allowing residents and visitors the opportunity to safely navigate a much needed break this summer.

    Think positive 😎

    Beach

     

  • Shore Storms

    High winds , heavy rain, thunder storms, and now a tornado warning??

    I had to check on a property during a break in the storms, and all seemed okay driving through Avalon and Stone Harbor.

    Back home in time to watch the dark clouds roll in over the bay…

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  • Island Views

    I had to venture out this morning for a doctor’s appointment.

    A few observations:

    It looks like fewer homes are occupied compared to the past 2 weeks.  Year round residences make up a small percentage of property owners on the island, so we all tend to notice those “with lights on” during the off season.  From a practical perspective, maybe it was time for some owners to return to their primary residence to tackle projects and/or be closer to family?

    Almost all of the vehicles on the road were for contractors and landscape companies.  That’s common for April either way!

    Easter weekend will not include a sunrise service on the beach…or breakfast at Uncle Bill’s.

    But I’m safe and healthy…and wishing the same for all of you, too.

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  • Restrictions for Construction

    Directive from the Governor of New Jersey:

    BREAKING: I’m signing an Executive Order to further our aggressive efforts to enforce social distancing.

    All non-essential construction across New Jersey will CEASE, indefinitely, effective 8:00 PM Friday.

    Exceptions include projects at our hospitals and schools, in our transportation and public utility sector, the building of affordable housing, other individual housing sites that can adhere to strict limits on the number of workers on-site, and other limited instances.

     

    The last sentence is important for local construction projects.

    Builders will be required to restrict their sub-contractors and crews in order to comply with this order.

    Emergency/essential repairs are also permitted.

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  • Beaches Closed

    As of today, all beaches in Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ are closed until early May. Access to the boardwalk in Avalon is also prohibited.

    We walk the beach daily (and often twice a day), so this will be tough.  Yet I understand that municipalities all along the coast are making these decisions to deter visitors and keep us all safe.

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  • Thoughts about our summer rentals

    We are typically gearing up for the summer season by now.

    Instead, we are talking with our rental property owners and summer tenants about the “what ifs” for summer of 2020.

    Tenants arriving in May and early June are understandably the most unsettled.  Their final rent payments are coming due, and there is so much uncertainty regarding the timeline.

    Our best guess last week for even a partial return to normalcy, seems less realistic this week.

    The take away from the phone and email conversations:

    1) Property owners are realistic and want to do the right thing.

    2) Tenants are hopeful that their summer vacation plans can stay in place.

    3) Everyone understands that business is on a pause mode for the next several weeks.

    In the meantime, I’m here (working from home of course) and will do what I can to help.

    Stay safe and healthy!

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