Day 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).
Bright sunshine…with the dunes blocking the chilly breeze. Â Pretty morning on the beach before work!
The 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. Â 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
I recently added several Avalon NJ homes to our inventory of summer rental properties with POOLS.  The properties vary in size and amenities (and therefore price).  All are available for prime summer weeks.
A few examples: 26 W 11th Street, Avalon;   215 49th Street, Avalon ;  and  5189 Ocean Drive, Avalon
If you know anyone looking for a vacation rental in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please share this post and our web site:  http://www.powerplayrealty.com/rentals
Thank you. Â I appreciate your referrals for sales and rentals!
Last night, we were able to watch the full moon rise…AND the International Space Station glide over the beach! Â A Twitter friend provided the details from NASA- so we knew where to look. Â The steady light arrived just on time from the bay side. Â We watched it slowly pass over head before it disappeared over the ocean. Â Very cool!
Chilly morning, yet the calm ocean and warm sun inspired a long walk. Â Full moon tonight- looking forward to dinner (Wawa sandwiches) in the Jeep, and on the beach 🙂
Big waves at high tide this morning. Â The sun appeared as I drove to the office. Â Looks like a nice day for showing houses 🙂
P.S. Very active sale market in Avalon and Stone Harbor– there are currently 43 properties posted “under contract” with settlements scheduled over the next few months.
The 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. Â Based on survey markers, dune restoration will also occur. Â 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!
Last night I was reading about various vacation options for the fall (always planning ahead); with one island bragging about the numerous sea turtles found on their beach.
I was thinking about that article this morning as we walked along the Avalon boardwalk, and spotted our famous wildlife: feral cats! Are we missing a marketing opportunity??
Feral cats were once just an Avalon Manor legend (with stories similar to those of the Jersey Devil and Big Foot). Then somehow, the gang of felines found their way across the bridge to gather under the boardwalk.
Today, the cats are well fed by volunteers, and neutered to limit their numbers. They will occasionally startle a walker on a quiet winter day, yet for the most part, keep to themselves around the Community Hall or in sunny spots along the dunes.
More FEMA/Flood Zone info
An important statement from Stockton College coastal engineering expert Stewart Farrell in today’s edition of The Press of Atlantic City  (credit to reporter Sara Watson):
Farrell also brought up the concerns many residents have about the advisory flood maps adopted by emergency order in January as the state standard for rebuilding.
While elevations in the advisory maps are not necessarily contested because the data are strong, Farrell said, what is contested is the expanded highest-risk velocity zone to include areas along the bay as well as some interior areas of barrier islands and mainland shore communities.
Farrell said he expects those zones to be scaled back significantly due to a wave analysis model that still has to be completed. Additionally, Farrell said, “bay waves are nowhere near as energetic as ocean waves.â€
We are hearing similar statements from construction/zoning officials in Avalon and Stone Harbor regarding the far reaching v zone classification. Unfortunately, this will take time to resolve.