A must read: the heartbreaking Memorial Day tribute written by Dave Coskey for the current issue of Seven Mile Times.
PFC John F. Kihm, a long time summer resident of Avalon was killed in action on April 19th, 2011. He was only 19 years old.
A fitting reminder that Memorial Day is not just about the start of our summer season.
“Hey honey…it’s almost Memorial Day…time to untie the boat”.How do you prepare for the big weekend?
By the way, Fred’s Tavern in Stone Harbor is schedule to re-open on Friday (closed since February for renovations). Will begin food service in June.
The week before Memorial Day weekend is VERY busy for local contractors.
Vehicles from service companies are parked on almost every block:  opening pools, window cleaning, landscaping, power washing, outdoor furniture and grill delivery, etc.
All in anticipation of the 2011 summer season.Â
See you on the beach 🙂
If you are an out of state resident selling a vacation home in New Jersey, you may owe state income tax on the profit.
In order to ensure payment of these taxes, the state has implemented new regulations that must be followed prior to settlement.
The buyer (or buyer’s agent) files a notice of the sale to the Division of Taxation. Because the state does not know the specifics of the gain on the sale, it sends out a form letter stating a required escrow amount (6.97% of the selling price!). The seller should then submit an Asset Transfer Tax Declaration (TTD form) which details the original price and improvements made over the years, along with settlement costs- all deductions off the selling price.Â
These facts are reviewed, and a revised figure is provided by the state.Â
Bottom line: the State of New Jersey is collecting the income tax on the gain from the sale (current rate of 8.97%) at settlement. The funds collected are “estimated payments” for that tax year. The seller then files a New Jersey tax return to settle up.
Any good news? Your home state will recognize the payment made to New Jersey- the gain is not taxed twice.
If you have any questions, I am happy to provide information from my experience.
Well, thankfully we are still here ;)  and we continue to prepare for Memorial Day weekend!
Exciting to see all of the businesses open and owners/visitors walking around downtown.
The beach fill project in Avalon stalled last week due to a combination of mechanical problems on the dredge and rough seas. The equipment is on 21st Street, and will continue to 30th Street through next week.
Once complete in Avalon, the entire project moves south to Stone Harbor, with the staging area adjacent to the 123rd Street beach entrance. The dredging company will work their way north to 80th Street during the month of June. There will be some inconvenience- beaches on either side of the work area must be closed for safety reasons.
Routines are a source of comfort in our often unsettled lives. Maybe that’s why most of us are creatures of habit.
Happy to see the return of the summer “creatures”: my fellow beach walkers, the dedicated early morning surfers, and the regular bike riders passed on my way to work. All strangers…yet we are connected by the routines in our daily lives.
Schedules have been posted for the 4th of July weekend in Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ.
Saturday, July 2nd– TK Charities Triathlon and Youth Triathlon (adult race sold out). 7am at 30th and Avalon Avenue. Road closures that morning from 9th through 40th Streets.
Sunday, July 3rd– 12th Annual Sister Blister 5K and 2 mile walk. 8 am – 80th Street. That evening, enjoy the Bay-Atlantic Symphony Concert at Avalon Community Hall at 7pm, followed by the Borough of Avalon fireworks display at 9:15pm – 30th and the beach.
Monday, July 4th– field races at the 10th Street field in Avalon at 10am. The 80th Street field in Stone Harbor hosts a full day of family events starting at 9am. Bring a beach chair to stake out your spot for the 9:30pm fireworks- food vendors and music add to the tailgating atmosphere 🙂
Beach tags– a practical way for seashore communities to off set the cost of maintaining a beautiful and safe beach.
The expense is shared by tourists and residents alike.
Seasonal tags purchased before May 27 cost $21 each ($26 after); weekly tags $12; daily $6. Tags are reciprocal between Avalon and Stone Harbor, and required for those over 12 years old.
Beach tag booths open daily:  30th and Avalon Avenue; or 95th and the beach. Tags can also be purchased from the inspectors on the beach all summer.
There are many unique spots on the island best discovered while walking or bike riding.
For instance, the Stone Harbor Garden Club maintains a beautiful plot of land adjacent to the beach parking lot on 123rd Street.Â
In that same vicinity, check out the bird watching platforms accessible from the clam shell drive way on the right hand side of the parking lot.
On your walk/ride home, stop by the new paths in to the Bird Sanctuary on the Second Avenue side.
Speaking of our island treasures: this time of year, I see a disturbing number of balloons washing up on the beach or stuck in the dunes. Celebrate birthdays, graduations, and weddings with flowers instead of balloons…better for our environment!
In the past 2 weeks, 17 properties on the island have been posted as “under contract”.
The median list price- $925,000; and a good mix of condo/townhouse units and single family homes.
Grateful for a busy spring market!