Randy Leiser, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2997 Dune Drive, PO Box 10, Avalon, NJ 08202
toll-free: 800-967-7796 x212  |  local: 609-967-3001  |  fax: 609-967-3057  |  e-mail: Randy@RandyLeiser.com
2011: Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.  

February 24, 2011


FREE FISHING will remain possible in New Jersey's coastal waters thanks to new legislation signed by Governor Chris Christie.  The legislation requires the NJDEP to create a free registry for recreational salt water anglers.  Creating the free state registry preempts a $15 federal registry fee that would have been imposed had the state not acted.  Data from the state registry will be shared with the National Marine Fisheries Service to help manage fish stocks.
 
PARKWAY CONSTRUCTION at exits 9, 10, and 11 is projected to begin in September 2012, with completion expected in December 2014.  Delays in the original timeline occurred so designs could be modified to accommodate Homeland Security requirements near the National Guard Armory at Exit 11.
If all goes according to the current plan, a construction contract will be awarded in June 2012.
 
"I DO!"  Did you know that Cape May County beaches are among the top three wedding destinations in the country?  So says Diane Weiland of Cape May County's Department of Tourism.  According to Weiland, local beaches are behind only Las Vegas and Disney World for destination weddings.
 
FRED'S TAVERN in Stone Harbor has closed for major renovations.  Fred's will reopen in late April with a new bar and dining area.  The liquor store will remain open during the renovations.
 
WHAT'S HOT:  Avalon Real Estate Agency has placed six beachblock single family homes under contract since December!  Since August, Avalon Real Estate Agency has maintained an amazing 70% market share in the beachblock category!  Data was obtained from the Cape May County Multiple Listing Service.
 
FIND YOUR PLACE in the sun!  Enjoy summer at the shore--call me to get started!
 
February 17, 2011

BEACHFRONT LIBRARY:  Officials expect to break ground soon on a beachfront library in Stone Harbor.  The proposal had been delayed more than two years during the appeal of construction permits that had been initially denied by the NJ-DEP.  The two-story library will have decks on each level offering an unobstructed ocean view, as well as outside restrooms for beachgoers and the general public.  What a place to read a book!
 
AVALON'S 2011 BUDGET will not be increased over 2010, however the local tax rate may have to be raised by 4 cents due to lower property assessments.  The borough completed an in-house reassessment of properties last year, and saw ratables decrease by about 20 percent.  The tax rate will increase only enough to keep total tax receipts revenue-neutral.  Individual property owners may see an increase or decrease in their property tax bill, depending upon exactly how much their assessment changed.
 
THE BAY-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY has signed a contract to bring the symphony to Avalon for a fifth season.  The orchestra will perform on July 16 and August 27.
 
THE SUPERFRESH grocery store in Cape May Court House will close this spring due to a
corporate re-structuring.
 
February 10, 2011

THE CORSON'S INLET BRIDGE linking Strathmere and Ocean City will reopen Friday after being closed for emergency repairs.  A vehicle crashed through the bridge railing last week, landing in 15 feet of water.  Both occupants of the car escaped and were rescued.
 
HUNDREDS OF TREES were cut down along the Garden State Parkway in Somers Point, to the dismay of nearby residents and environmental groups.  The New Jersey Turnpike Authority says its part of the "Clear Zone Maintenance" program, designed to remove trees deemed too close to the highway.  Residents have complained of noise from and increased visibility of the Parkway.
 
WIND ENERGY got a boost from the US Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy.  The Interior Department identified four offshore sites as prime locations for future wind farms, including the coast of New Jersey.  The Department of Energy will spend $50 million over five years to speed the development of the farms.  The wind farms are expected to be 10 to 20 miles offshore so as not to destroy the ocean view of beachgoers.
 
NEED WORK DONE?  Now is the time!  Fix the screen door, paint the trim, and clean the carpets now, before the spring rush.  Need a good contractor?  Call or email me and I'll give you some recommendations.
 
MARKET STATS:  Number of properties placed under contract in the local market during January 2010: 13.  Number of properties placed under contract in the local market during January 2011: 23.  Data was obtained from the Cape May County Multiple Listing Service. 
 

February 3, 2011

AN SUV PLUNGED off the Corson's Inlet Bridge after skidding and crashing through the bridge's side rails on Tuesday.  Both occupants, brother and sister and each 18 years old, survived a 20 foot fall into the water, escaped from the car and were rescued.  They were later released from the hospital.  The vehicle has since been recovered from water about 15 feet deep.  The Corson's Inlet Bridge, which links Strathmere with Ocean City, has been closed until the damage can be evaluated and repaired.
 
BEACH PERMIT APPLICATION: the Borough of Avalon has applied for a permit to replenish its north end beaches using sand from the south end.  If approved, sand would be trucked from larger south end beaches to those areas in the north end in need of sand.
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY generated an estimated $16 billion in tourism revenue last year, about 41 percent of New Jersey's total tourism revenue.  This year, the state will restore funding for its national tourism marketing campaign.  Last year's marketing budget was cut due to economic pressure, but the NJ Division of Travel and Tourism will unveil a new multimedia marketing campaign in March.
 
SICK OF THE SNOW, ice and rain?  Let us help you plan your summer vacation!  Call or email me to get started, or visit www.RandyLeiser.com.  There's no better way to beat the winter blues!
 
MUNICIPAL AID grants have been awarded to Avalon and Stone Harbor by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.  Avalon will receive $195,000 and Stone Harbor will receive $200,000; the funds will be used for road reconstruction.  Avalon will rebuild 34th Street between Dune Drive and Ocean Drive and Stone Harbor will reconstruct sections of First Avenue.