Quick narrative of my morning walk:
“Ahh, warm sun. Â That feels nice. Â Oh, and look…2 pieces of sea glass. Â Low tide and calm wind- such a beautiful morning on the beach. Â Wow…three herons just flew overhead -another version of “snow birds” returning north! ”
And then, just before I turned up my beach path: “Dolphins!!” Jumping out of the water as they passed by. Â The ocean was so calm- they were easy to spot. Â Now THAT’S the way to start a work day 🙂
FYI- the code inspectors check the manufacture’s date on smoke detectors.
If the detectors (hard wired or battery operated) are more than 10 years old, replacement will be required in order to pass inspection.
Even for those not renting, it’s helpful to know that smoke detectors have a 10 year life span.  If you experience random beeps after swapping out the battery, and you believe the detectors are at  least 10 years old, better to replace all of the units at the same time.
For hard wired carbon monoxide detectors, the life span is only 5 years.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has filed documents to make the proposed (and then mandated by Governor Christie in January) flood elevations permanent. Â Read the full article HERE Â from the Press of Atlantic City. Â An interesting statement in the article: Â The order also allows “wet flood proofing”, which is for buildings that will structurally withstand flooding, but cannot be raised, such as high rises and row homes in highly urbanized areas. Â Â
From talking to local officials, the enforcement of the higher elevations is not a surprise. Â Shore towns expect to adopt the elevation codes, yet will continue to negotiate the wide spread V-Zone classification.
You can enter the address of your shore house on the interactive FEMA web site to view the required base flood elevation.  This information is important for property owners planning to either build new, or renovate more than 50% of the assessed value of the structure.  The Press article stated that the construction must be the base elevation, plus 1 foot per state law.
As of April 1st, Avalon, Stone Harbor and surrounding communities will participate in “Single Stream Recycling“.
This means that all acceptable recyclable items can be placed in ONE container. Â Realistically, most shore homes will still need several recycling containers (especially rental properties) to accommodate the items. Â Containers are limited to a maximum size of 32 gallons, and may not exceed 75 pounds.
The list of permitted items has been expanded, too. Â Please provide detailed instructions to your tenants/guests.
For more information, visit the web site of the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority
A quick walk to a rental property near my office (to update interior photos).
Walking allows me to really SEE a neighborhood, and notice details on the homes.
Spotted this weather vane today- looked nice against the back drop of a bright blue sky and puffy white clouds…
Even my Christmas cactus is confused!
Unfortunately, March is famous for unsettled weather (especially here at the shore). Â Last year at this time, I was paddling my kayak out on the bay! Â Hoping for a warm up soon…
So far, our “snow event” is mostly rain, with a few renegade snow flurries passing by my office window.
The forecast looks MUCH better for the Easter weekend 🙂
Article in The Press of Atlantic City yesterday detailed plans for the Townsends Inlet roadway damaged by Sandy: Â Click Here to read article
Good news: Â the roadway will be temporary repaired and open by Memorial Day weekend.
Bad news: Â the long term plan to fortify the sea wall, replace the road, and restore the bridge will cost $13 million.
Although the bridge was not compromised by the storm, it’s been in need of major repairs for years. Â The paint job over the rust can only last so long!
Back to work after our vacation on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Â This sleepy beach/ golf community is one of our favorite destinations- mostly because it feels like home.
My best description: a mix of the high dune area of Avalon, the bird sanctuary, and Stone Harbor Point; and then add in miles of bike paths and a few golf courses! Â Like Hilton Head, the beach sand is perfect for bikes- yet when I ride along the beach, I’m totally distracted by the amazing homes along the dunes (prime real estate stalking!) Â Â Charleston provides our “Cape May” experience with charming homes and excellent restaurants.
Oh, and did I mention the alligators? Â 😉
Life is different in the south. Â Signs that caught my eye: Â Please Drive Gently ; Property Preserved in Perpetuity. Â And a restaurant advertised: Dining at Dusk (aka early bird special). Â So refined!
On this visit, I took note of the V-Zone construction- the norm on the island. Â Prior to the proposed FEMA changes in New Jersey, I didn’t connect that the homes on Kiawah Island have been regulated by these codes for years. Â Raised piers are attractively covered in brick or block work, and the break away walls are disguised with various materials. Â The stairs up to the front door are built with landings/turns for set back purposes. Â Interesting to see examples in person.
When you live full time at the beach, it makes sense that you vacation….at another beach!
A perk: I learn through my experience as a tenant and tourist in a beach community. Â Wonder if they will let us check in early 😉
This is the last break before our busy summer season. Â May post a few pictures on Twitter- but otherwise, see you next week!
Easter Service
An Easter Sunrise Service will take place at the 88th Street beach pavilion tomorrow morning at 6:30am.
The churches of Avalon and Stone Harbor participate in this multi-denomination service.