2014:

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

This Weeks News 03/27/2014

---

 
FLOOD INSURANCE BILL SIGNED INTO LAW: President Obama signed a bipartisan flood insurance bill into law this week, revising flood insurance rules first created under the Biggert-Waters act. The new revision lowers annual rate increases, grandfathers homes originally built to code, and removes the home sale "trigger" allowing home buyers to pay premiums similar to those paid by home sellers. Those who overpaid premiums under the former rules are expected to receive refunds.
 
AVALON RETAINS BOND RATING: The Borough of Avalon has retained its AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor's Rating Services. The Avalon Finance Office was notified of the news on March 14. The AAA rating will save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest on new or refinanced debt.
 
STONE HARBOR has awarded a contract for the development of a long term Dredged Material Management Plan. The objective of the $26,500 agreement is to identify current and future dredging demand within the borough's waterways, as well as alternate locations for the placement of dredge material. Borough Council previously authorized the purchase of nearby "Site 103", which contains dredge material from former projects. The borough will seek permits to offload that material to make room for material from future projects, similar to the project currently underway at Macchia's Island, behind Avalon, which is currently being emptied for future use in Avalon dredging projects.
 
AVALON CIVIC CLUB donated $3,865 to the Borough of Avalon for the purchase of three new surf chairs for use on the beach. Surf chairs are fitted with large tires and allow individuals with mobility issues to access the beach.  Surf chairs are available on a first come, first serve basis along the beachfront at 9th Street, 30th Street, and 80th Street. A surf chair can be reserved by calling the Avalon Beach Patrol at (609) 967-7587.
 
BIRDS ON THE BEACH: Cape May County is often cited for its exceptional bird watching opportunities. Along the Seven Mile Beach, for example, you'll find everything from seagulls to snow owls to flocks of shorebirds. The next time you're out for a walk on the beach, grab a camera or pair of binoculars to enhance your view of local wildlife!
 

Above: a seagull glides along the beach.
  

This flock of shorebirds was spotted on Avalon's south end beach. 
Thanks to Long & Foster friend Bob Ross for sharing this image!
 
7 MILE MEMORIES PHOTO CONTEST: Enter your favorite family vacation photo from the Jersey Shore to win a Lifestyle Photo Shoot and Designer Album from Avalon Art Photography. Visit Avalon Art Photography and enter the contest at Avalon Art Photography - Facebook Contest  Hurry-the entry deadline is April 6th!
 
LAST OF THE SEASON? Let's hope so! Six inches of snow fell in Cape May County Tuesday night into Wednesday, while much of the surrounding area saw much lower snow totals. Hopefully, warmer weather is just around the corner, and we've seen the last snowfall of the season!

This Weeks News 03/13/2014

---

A BIPARTISAN FLOOD INSURANCE BILL was passed 306-91 by the US House of Representatives last week.  The bill would lower the premium increases mandated by the 2012 Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform law, and would remove the home sale/new policy rate increase “trigger”, meaning a home buyer would be eligible for the same rates and treatment as a home seller enjoyed.  Further, the bill provides for rate grandfathering (so that new FEMA maps don’t trigger rate increases for those who built to previous codes), along with other affordability provisions.  Congressman Frank Lobiondo spent several months working on the bill and praised the strong bipartisan support it received in the House.  The Senate was set to consider the bill this week.
 
24 PERCENT COMPLETE!  A New Jersey  Turnpike Authority spokesman indicated the traffic light removal project at exits 9, 10, and 11 on the Garden State Parkway was 24 percent complete as of the last major project update last month.  Crews have been working for months, constructing new traffic lanes and installing supports for future overpasses.  Traffic flow has been shifted according to project needs but has generally been kept moving. 

The NJTA also reported the Parkway bridge replacement project over nearby Great Egg Harbor Bay is now 18 percent complete.
 
SIGNS OF SPRING:

1) Clocks were made to “spring forward” by an hour last weekend, getting us one hour closer to
    summer, plus an extra hour of daylight at the end of each day! 
 
2) Last weekend we were treated to two beautiful days with temperatures in the upper 50s!
 
3) On Tuesday, temperatures hit the upper 60s, and those lucky enough to be here enjoyed walks
    on the beach!
 
4) The Miss Avalon will run her first fishing trip of the season on Friday, April 4th (call the crew at
    609-967-7455 for info!)
 
5) Each weekend brings an additional crop of property owners and visitors to the Island to enjoy the
    weather, prepare properties for the season, and visit local shops and eateries!

These shore birds were enjoying a little bit of spring last weekend on Avalon’s south end beaches.  Thanks to Long & Foster friend Bob Ross for the photo!
 
NEW JERSEY SAFE BOATING CLASSES are being offered at various times and locations.  Boating safety certificates are required for all who operate vessels in New Jersey waters.  Some nearby classes are listed below:

US Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, register at 609-898-0442, 8:30AM – 4:30PM,
Saturday, March 15
 
Island Marine Center in Ocean View, register at 609-624-1117, 8AM – 5PM, Saturday, April 5
 
Pier 47 Marina in Wildwood, register at 609-886-6243, 8AM – 5PM, Saturday, April 12
 
US Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, register at 609-898-0442, 8:30AM – 4:30PM,
Saturday April 12
 
Cape May Court House Library, call 609-463-6350 to register, 8AM – 5PM, Saturday, May 10

STONE HARBOR SUMMER JOB FAIR:  those looking for summer jobs can stop by the Stone Harbor Summer Job Fair at Coffee Talk, located at 97th Street & Third Avenue, on Saturday, April 12th from 11am to 3pm.  Or simply stop by individual business to inquire about the availability of summer work.  From restaurants and clothing shops to miniature golf courses and marinas, many employers will be looking for summer help!

This weeks News 03/06/2014

---

GET ‘EM READY! The summer season is just around the corner, meaning it’s time to think about preparing your property. Painting, carpet cleanings, spring cleanings, and other jobs should be scheduled now, before contractors get too busy. The earlier you prepare, the more you’ll enjoy your property if using it yourself, and the fewer problems you’ll have if renting it this summer. Need a recommendation on a contractor or other service provider? Call me!

PROPERTY TAX CARDS have been mailed to property owners indicating their current property tax assessments. Property owners who feel their assessment is too high may appeal it up until April 1st. This Cape May County Tax Appeal brochure answers many common questions on filing an appeal: appeal brochure.pdf

Should you decide to file an appeal you’ll need the Tax Appeal form: petappl.pdf You’ll also need "comps" to establish the value of your property - call me and I′ll send you the appropriate property sale data. Note that for purposes of tax assessments, properties are valued as of October 1st of the prior year.

WHO PLAYS "TCHOUKBALL?" Avalon Elementary School students do! Read an article from Wednesday′s Atlantic City Press about the game and how it came to be played in Avalon: View the Article


Think Summer! A sailboat glides upwind as waves shimmer in the afternoon light on a summer day.

MORE SNOW...HO HUM. After all the snow storms the region has had this winter, what′s another four to eight inches? That’s what fell across the county Sunday evening through Monday afternoon. Although much of it is still hanging around, the warmer temperatures on the way are expected to melt the remaining snow by the weekend. The good news? It′s just two weeks until spring officially arrives, and just 79 days until Memorial Day Weekend!

OPENING UP! You′ll find more "Open" signs on the Island now, especially on weekends. Favorites like Pudgie Pelican, Tonio′s, Marabella′s, and Concord Café are waiting for you! Stop by on your next visit.

COMING DOWN? Please call ahead so I can be prepared for your visit! Whether you’re going to be looking at properties to rent or buy if you call ahead I’ll have everything ready for you when you arrive!