The reality of close quarters in a restaurant setting? Listening to the conversations at adjacent tables. We weren’t trying to eavesdrop tonight, yet hard not to with only 2 feet of space between us.
Our ears perked when the subject of living on the island year round was discussed by a large group nearby. Entertaining to hear the reasons why they would or would not consider living here full time.
I’ve often said that local residents are either envied…or pitied 🙂
Sure, I sell and rent seashore homes for a living…yet these views REALLY seal the deal 😉
Pass the word…there are rental properties still available for the summer weeks. Â And, last minute requests are fine!
How about next week? Â This townhouse at 3446 Dune Drive is ready to rent, with an early check in (so that you can enjoy the full weekend).
Or, an attractive condo on the bay at 1668 Ocean Drive, Avalon- take advantage of the discounted June rates.
If you need a larger home, check out 1019 First Avenue, Avalon. Â Save with early season rates.
For other weeks during the summer, search our web site:  www.powerplayrealty.com and then contact me for more specifics.
Thank you for your interest!
Another valuable report in the Sunday edition of The Press of Atlantic City regarding flood insurance. Click HERE for link to article.
A few key points:
1) Flood insurance rates were set to increase prior to Sandy due to the Biggert-Waters Act passed last summer. Â In order to sustain the National Flood Insurance Program, the Federal government will phase out rate subsidies currently in place.
2) Under the Biggert-Waters Act, rates for primary home owners will remain subsidized until the house is sold or ownership is transferred.
3) Second home owners and businesses built prior to standardized flood maps (typically before 1982, and if structure is lower than current elevation code) will see rate increases as high as 25% each year until the full cost is reached. There is an effort by New Jersey representatives to reduce this rate to 12.5% (and therefore phase out the subsides over a longer period of time).
4) FEMA estimates that 81% of flood policy owners already pay full cost. However, we are hearing from insurance agents that a 10% increase is likely across the board for all policy holders.
My perspective as a real estate agent:
1) The high land values at the shore have fueled a “tear down” environment for many years.
2) Construction codes in Avalon and Stone Harbor require a property to be brought up to code (including elevation) if the renovations exceed 50% of the value of the structure.  This figure is based on the assessed value of the building…not the land.  Therefore a homeowner has to decide if the cost to elevate could be better spent toward a brand new structure.
3) I don’t expect higher flood insurance costs for the older structures to hurt values- because we already focus on the land value. Â However, the insurance cost may force the buyer to make a decision sooner rather than later regarding elevating or building new.
Tuesday 6/4/13 Update: I talked to a member of the beach fill crew last evening.  They will be working in Stone Harbor until Thursday.  The equipment will be safely stored  close to the dunes, and beach paths will be open with sand paths over the dredge pipes for access.  Based on their position last night, work should be complete up to 100th Street (and all beaches south).  Once the project resumes later this month, the beaches north of 100th Street will be filled.
Posted a short video of the work on You Tube: Â Stone Harbor Beach Fill
Crews were still working as of this morning. Â It’s my understanding that the dredging company will temporarily suspend the project after this weekend in order to complete a smaller job in North Wildwood (and then return to Stone Harbor later this month).
Picture taken last night from 103rd Street beach path looking south:
This is important (especially for those of us who prefer not to cook):
Seven Mile Beach Restaurant Week starts Monday, June 3rd.
Over 30 local establishments are participating. Â For details/ menus: Â Click Here
For even more variety, Cape May is hosting their restaurant week June 2nd through the 9th; and Sea Isle City from June 1st through the 8th.
Signs of summer:
The “traffic” on the bike lane is comparable to the traffic on Dune Drive.
Fancy cars are spotted all over the island…I saw a Lamborghini this morning!
On my early morning beach walks, I see young children still in their pajamas- usually with the Dad (letting Mom sleep in??)
A picture perfect start to June- enjoy the weekend.
FYI- as reported, the beach fill project will continue through the early part of the season. Â In the meantime, sand paths over the dredge pipe will allow for safe beach access.
Sorry- I need to vent!
First the official rules:  In Avalon, dogs are not permitted on the beach between March 1st through September 30th.  In Stone Harbor, dogs are permitted between September 30th and June 1st any time during the day; and after June 1st, from 7pm through sunset.  In both communities, the dogs must be on a leash year round.
The reality: many owners use the open space of the beach as an opportunity to allow their dogs to run.
Unfortunately, a loose dog can be a nuisance (or worse) to others on the beach.
If a dog aggressively approaches me, barks at me, jumps on me, or chases me…it’s not my fault (despite being told otherwise just this morning!). Â And frankly, it’s not even the dog’s fault. Â The dog owner has the responsibility to maintain control of their pet- preferably with the aid of a leash.
I don’t want to hear “He’s just saying hello”, or “Don’t worry, she won’t bite”, or “He’s just a puppy”, or today’s classic line “It’s because you are afraid”.
I am nervous around dogs, so I purposely move out of their way while walking on the beach. Â But, walkers/runners should not feel intimidated by dogs…or their owners.
End of rant- thanks!
Saturday at the Shore
Andrea has moved off the coast…leaving behind nice waves for the surfers.
As of this morning, all beach entrances are open in Stone Harbor and the beach fill project is officially on hold. Â The equipment is stored in the south end adjacent to the dunes, as well as near the end of the pipe on 97th Street. Â Sand paths were built over the dredge pipe at every block south of 96th Street.
Work will resume later this month. Â Will keep you posted…