Back in business!Â
New posts mark the slips for the colorful catamaran sail boats at the south end of Stone Harbor– the old post were washed out to sea during the winter storms.
The beaches are groomed, new fencing installed along the dunes, and beach paths improved-Â enjoy the weekend!
Reminder:Â Registration is required to fish in New Jersey salt waters (no fee as of now).
For the on-line registration form: https://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov/register/anglerForm.jsp
What’s missing? Stone Harbor is in the process of  removing most of the outfall pipes along the beach (a few will remain to drain rain water from the streets). It’s a major construction project to remove the rusty pipes and then the pilings, but it will look so much better when complete.
Some may miss the “beach hurdles” and the extra exercise on their run 🙂
5/1/10 Received this e-mail message from the Realty Owner’s Association:
During the past seven months, there has been significant progress on the plan to remove the six outfall pipes from approximately 99th street to approximately 109th.  In order to accomplish this, the water flow had to be configured through a sophisticated piping system along First Avenue, into an open space between 105th and 106th, down the center of 105th and into the bay. While 105th between 2nd and 3rd has been paved, there continues to be a great deal of road construction on First Avenue, and into the open space.  The pipes and the stanchions are currently still in place on the beach
The GREAT news is, however, that both Ken Hawk, Borough Administrator, and Marc DeBlasio, the Engineer in charge of this project, tell us that they are on track with the project, despite the difficult periods this winter. Â The following will occur:
The ROA will connect with both Ken and Marc during the next month to continue to monitor progress of this very important project. Both are committed to meeting the needs of the Borough’s homeowners as are town council members associated to this effort, and know that the entire outfall pipe project is a priority. Should you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the ROA mailbox: sanslabik@aol.com.
Submitted by Jeff Alderton (Realty Owners Association)
Now I know. I’ve passed this sign almost every day without knowing why the 50th Street beach path is called “Lois Lane”. Well, I just met Lois in person, and she shared her story.
10 years ago, her kind 52nd Street neighbors threw her a surprise birthday party and presented the sign as a thank you for her efforts to improve the walkway through the dunes. The Borough of Avalon worked with the neighbors and granted permission for the new sign.
Lois is very proud of “her” beach path and loves living in Avalon year round.
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/avalon/61686-avalon+wins+coin+flip+first+beach+fill+sand
On Wednesday, April 21st, the mayors of Avalon and Sea Isle City met on the Townsends Inlet Bridge for a coin toss…seriously. The outcome determined which town would be first to receive sand from the joint beach fill project starting in May. Great Lakes Dock and Dredge Company did not have a preference on a starting location, so the mayors agreed that a coin toss would be the best way to decide.
After Avalon’s victory, the gracious mayor of Sea Isle City said he wasn’t disappointed, and “everybody’s a winner” with replenished beaches in time for the height of the summer season.
In Avalon, sand will be pumped on the beaches between 9th to 26th Streets; in Sea Isle City, 73rd through 94th Streets.
1) Have your quarters ready…the parking meters will be on.
2) Sail into Summer/Boat Show & Seafood Festival on 96th Street all weekend- the weather will be ideal!
3) No turn on red at the 96th Street traffic lights between May 1- October 1.
4) 99th Street blinking light will revert to full traffic signal.
The white flowers from the Bradford Pear trees are gone. Now, the beautiful Kanzan Cherry Trees (confirmed the official name on Google!) planted along the center islands and in private yards are the star of the show.
17 years ago, I helped plant this particular tree on 56th and Dune Drive.Â
The reward for a wet winter and spring- a colorful start of our season.
We had a positive experience renting a condo for our recent vacation in South Carolina. Interesting to compare the differences in procedures in other beach areas:
1) Linens and bath towels were supplied by the rental management company- very helpful since we were flying to our destination.  This extra perk explains the additional change over time needed (10am check out/ 4 pm check in- we are 10am/2pm).
2) Clutter versus supplies- I’ve seen rental homes here with kitchen drawers and cabinets filled with “stuff”. This rental was the opposite- a well equipped kitchen, but no sandwich bags, foil, spices, laundry detergent, etc.  Guessing that the cleaning service removes all of the extras between each tenant (we put the almost full bottle of laundry detergent on a closet shelf- hoping the next guest can use it).  I understand the policy, but it’s nice to have a few basics on hand to start (and replace as needed).
3) Properties offered by this management company are all smoke free…and offer wireless Internet service.  Most of our rental homes are smoke free (owner’s choice) and at least 50% have Internet access- a popular amenity with tenants.
It’s important for rental property owners to understand the competition for a tenant’s hard earned vacation dollar- in the immediate area, and other beach destinations as well.  When I am on the “other side”, I have a new appreciation for the service expected by tenants and owners- it’s a great learning experience.
Back from a one week vacation from work (and the computer).
This picture was taken on Tybee Island, GA (outside Savannah). The colorful pole warns residents and visitors of the potential flood level associated with a hurricane. Even a moderate category 2 hurricane showed a flood surge over my head! Yikes.
On to unusual real estate (of course I have to study the market in other beach communities): on Hilton Head Island, there is a small bridge to Deer Island- with free standing “Sea Lofts” along the marsh. Very different!
Â
Hilton Head Island is beautiful.  Bike riding is the preferred means of transportation (including along the hard sand on the beach- a real treat with the wind at your back!)
The homes are built to complement the wooded environment- earth tones and natural building materials.Â
Driving to work today, I realized the biggest difference between Avalon/ Stone Harbor and Hilton Head Island – the sky. The trees on HHI block the hot summer sun, but also make it darker on a cloudy day. I really appreciated the open feel as I drove along Dune Drive this morning. Good to be back!
You Tube
I started this blog in November 2006; signed up for Twitter in January 2010; and now it’s time for You Tube . The plan is to post real estate related videos.
Decided to experiment with the video function on my phone during my morning beach walk. First lesson learned: when I hit record, I should stop singing along with my iPod 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/anndelaneybeach
Will move on to filming houses/neighborhoods next…