 At 7:40 am, the temperature inside my house was a frugal 63.5 degrees; outside was a painful 10.2 degrees.
After a few days of below freezing temperatures, even salt water will freeze.Â
 The Avalon Bay Park Marina surrounded by ice!
 An understatement! No boating today 😉
 More good news- the Borough of Avalon has received funding commitments for beach replenishment in the north end of Avalon. The project will be out for bid in February, with a completion date later this spring. Sand will be trucked in (rather than dredged) and spread on the beaches between 9th and 18th Streets.
 The beach at 9th Street adjacent to the 8th Street jetty- not very crowded this time of year…especially at 25 degrees (wind chill 14 degrees) and snow flurries. Think summer!
I read that the Borough of Stone Harbor reached an agreement with the State of New Jersey regarding funding for the planned beach replenishment for 98th to 111th Streets. No start date yet for the project.Â
At high tide- there is very little beach in this area (see photo from this morning)-Â new sand will be appreciated!
With the approaching cold temperatures, I may be forced to modify my walks…
  from the beachÂ
 
  to the treadmill  🙁
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/185/story/370168.html
The bulkhead along the bay at 82nd Street in Sea Isle City failed- causing the ground behind it to erode. See news story in The Press of Atlantic City attached.
For concerned bay front owners- if you see even a small portion of your land caving in adjacent to the bulkhead (retaining wall), you should have the bulkhead checked.Â
Each year, Tim Kerr and the sales agents affiliated with Tim Kerr’s Power Play Realty contribute 1% of all sales commissions to fund our children’s charity. We have distributed over $30,000 to date.
2008 was a challenging year- we had less to divide among the wonderful local organizations, and yet we knew the need was especially great. We decided to focus our limited contribution on the basics- groups providing food, clothing, and household expense assistance.
We are proud to support Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial (Pediatric Cancer) Fund; and Cape May County Special Services- specifically their food bank.
 E A G L E S…Eagles. The typical Eagles fan expects the worst, and then feels relieved when the team somehow wins. And then immediately begins to worry about the next game. I’m more of a 4th quarter fan- took a quick walk on the beach after work (cold and windy), and returned in time to see the big win. Less frustrating way to watch the game!Â
The 2008 Market Stats for Stone Harbor, Avalon, and Sea Isle City are available on the Power Play Realty web site:
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/pages/market-statistics-updated-avalon-stone-harbor-sea-isle-nj
Quick summary- The total number of units sold peaked in 2005; the average sale price peaked in 2006. Townhouse/condominium sale values have remained fairly level due to the more reasonable price range. Single family home values have dropped between 15- 25% depending on the location. In 2008, new construction accounted for 20% of Stone Harbor sales, and 10% of Avalon sales. Most area builders switched their focus from building for spec to private building contracts.Â
The local architects and builders are also reporting more requests for renovation projects versus new construction.Â
 2009…time to focus on the positives aspects of our industry. We all need a place to live (and dream of a place for vacation and down time).  For most of us, real estate is our largest assest (even if it’s worth a few dollars less than 3 years back).  Real estate offers the option to generate rental income; and provides welcome tax deductions and a sense of security.
To view sale inventory in the Cape May County area, visit: www.powerplayrealty.com and click on the MLS Search at the bottom of the home page.             Or send me your “wish list” (ann@anndelaney.com),  and I will help narrow down the options. I appreciate your business!
 This weekend’s playoff game is a true test of the state border. If you are cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles, you likely vacation in one of the shore towns south of Atlantic City. The New York Giants? Long Beach Island and the northern beaches are your preferred destinations.
May the best beach area (I mean team) win 🙂
Sunday Sights
Gosh, a heat wave. When I saw 35 degrees on the thermometer this morning, I decided it was time to get back on the beach!