| 2012: | Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
September 27, 2012
LIBRARY "CURVE BALL": may be built at 96th Street and Second Avenue. The borough recently learned that the Bank of America building will become available, and at a special council session members voted unanimously to locate the new library on that lot. The county will have to purchase the lot via a sealed bid process in order to construct the new library there. The centralized location has better parking availability due to the borough parking lot immediately behind it.
The new location is a last minute twist on a debate that went on for years. Other sites that had been considered included the beach front site at 95th Street, and the borough-owned lot on Second Avenue between 93rd and 94th Street. Council had previously selected the Second Avenue lot as the site of the library, before learning that the Bank of America lot would become available. Mayor Suzanne Walters commented on the recent development as a "curve ball" that would have a positive outcome.
TRAFFIC LIGHT REMOVAL: the long awaited removal of traffic lights on the Garden State Parkway is slated to begin in December, after (literally) 50 years of discussion and planning. The $125 million project will eliminate lights at Crest Haven Road, Stone Harbor Boulevard, and Shell Bay Avenue, speeding up traffic flow on the Parkway while separating it from local cross traffic. The project is expected to take 2.5 years.
SEA ISLE CITY AUTUMN BEACH CLEAN UP: On Saturday, October 13th volunteers will collect trash and debris from each of Sea Isle City's beaches while other volunteers plant dune grass. Volunteers are asked to register on the day of the event at JFK Boulevard and the Promenade, where they will receive trash bags and other supplies. Volunteers wishing to plant dune grass may bring their own small gardening tools. Event volunteers will be treated to a complimentary buffet luncheon at Mike's Seafood Restaurant. Rain date: Sunday, October 14th.
September 20, 2012
2013 RENTAL RATES are coming in now. This summer is just coming to a close, but we've already begun booking rentals for next season! Tenants, contact me or search online to begin planning your vacation for next year. Remember we gladly accept credit cards for vacation rentals! Property owners, please get your rates to me as soon as possible!
WATCH OUT FOR THAT HOUSE! Traffic on Avalon Boulevard was temporarily halted in both directions Tuesday morning to make way for a house leaving the island. The house was removed from an island lot in order to make way for another; instead of demolishing the house, it will get a new life at an offshore location.
A ranch house rides atop a large flatbed truck as it makes its way out Avalon Boulevard.
HEADS UP ON AVALON WATER/SEWER BILLS: Avalon property owners will receive their next quarterly water/sewer bill from the new water company, Middlesex Water Company. Don't mistakenly toss the bill because of the new name!
GREEN ACRES FUNDING: Cape May County will receive $2 million in Green Acres funding, as part of $123 million dedicated by the state. The county will use the funds for acquisition of open space or for recreational projects.
THE OCEAN TEMPERATURE is 75 degrees--beautiful! Warm weather is expected again over the weekend, with daytime air temperatures in the upper 70s to 80. Take advantage of our fantastic September weather!
CAPE MAY COUNTY will host its seventh annual Emergency Preparedness Conference on September 25th. The conference is open to elected officials and the public, and designed to educate on planning for, and responding to, a variety of emergencies, including storms. Participants in the conference include Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, who also serves as Cape May County's Coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management.
September 13, 2012
CAN'T ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE! Daytime temperatures have been in the 70s with sunshine and gentle breezes, while evenings have been cool and crisp. The ocean water temperature is still well into the 70s!
HUNDREDS GATHERED along Dune Drive yesterday as a September 11th Memorial was dedicated in Avalon. The memorial's centerpiece is a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center site. The beam rises into the sky and leans gently toward New York City. Stone Harbor is planning a memorial site of its own at 123rd Street and Second Avenue, overlooking Stone Harbor Point.
A small crowd is seen visiting Avalon's September 11th Memorial the day after it was dedicated.
SEPTEMBER FISHING is living up to its reputation, with flounder, bluefish, stripers and more being caught in the bay and ocean. Offshore, marlin and tuna are being landed in the canyons. Whales and dolphins have continued to make themselves available along the coast for sightseers on whale and dolphin watching trips.
MARKET REPORT: purchase activity is solid (up 20% over last year), which has reduced the number of properties on the sale market. Selling prices have stabilized in most segments of the market, and near-record-low interest rates remain available. How about getting involved? If you've always wanted your own place at the shore, this may be the perfect time for you! Call me at (800) 967-7796 to discuss your situation. The perfect shore property may be waiting for you!
September 6, 2012
HEY, WHERE DID EVERYBODY GO? Answer: back to work and back to school! That's left the Island decidedly quieter than it was just a few days ago. But guess what's still here? Warm ocean water, good fishing, great restaurants, and all your favorites from the summer. C'mon back during our "Second Summer!" Enjoy the beauty of September and October at the shore, including a more relaxed pace!
THE 96TH STREET DRAWBRIDGE didn't want visitors to leave on Labor Day. The bridge was stuck in the "up" position for several hours, while maintenance crews worked to return it to it's regular position.
9/11 MEMORIAL: Avalon will dedicate its new September 11th Memorial Plaza on Tuesday, September 11 at 11am. The memorial's centerpiece will be a World Trade Center artifact standing 9'-11" tall, and leaning 9 degrees, 11 minutes toward Manhattan. Also on September 11, Stone Harbor's World Trade Center artifact will be on display from 1pm to 3pm at the proposed site for its memorial, 123rd Street and Second Avenue, at Stone Harbor Point.
MARKET STATS: during August 2011, 22 properties sold in the local market at an average price of $1,442,534. This August, 33 properties sold (up 50%) at an average price of $1,197,863 (down 16.9%). The substantial increase in the number of properties selling in the low- and mid-range lowered the average sale price.
COMING DOWN? CALL AHEAD! If you'd like to make a trip to the Island to view sale or rental properties, please call ahead! Many properties remain occupied at this time of year, especially on weekends. Call a few days ahead of time and I'll be ready for you!