2021: | Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
This Weeks News 2/25/2021
The dunes did their job during the recent nor'easter. Although there was
erosion in some areas, the dunes protected against further damage. See below
for an update on Avalon's beach replenishment plans for the upcoming season.
SAND BACKPASSING is being planned again in advance of the
2021 season in order to restore storm-damaged beaches. Up to 60,000 cubic
yards of sand is expected to be moved to Avalon's north-end beaches, sourced
from locations south of the Avalon Fishing Pier. The Cape May County Herald
has reported that Avalon will use its own manpower for the work, but will
rent heavy equipment, as it has done before. The Avalon Boulevard Bridge is
the only link to the island capable of handling the weight of the heavy
equipment, but due to ongoing repair work it is not expected to be moved to
the island until April, with the backpassing project to begin May 3rd. Read
the Herald article here:
AVALON TO CONDUCT BACK-PASSING PROJECT IN ’21
"IS THERE A HOUSING BUBBLE? NO, I DO NOT THINK SO." -DAVE RAMSEY.
On his February 9th edition of The Dave Ramsey Show, the well-known
financial expert addressed the question that many have asked. "Is there a
housing bubble? Is there going to be a drop in values? No, I do not think
so...I bought a piece of real estate last week." Other financial and real
estate experts have weighed in on the subject, and most are in agreement
that, unlike the prior housing market drop, the current market is being
driven by strong fundamental demand, not overly easy lending standards.
MORTGAGE RATES INCHED UP AGAIN this past week, driven by
expectations of future US GDP growth and increased borrowing by the federal
government, according to Mike Mento of Prosperity Mortgage. Despite the
recent increases, rates are still at or just below 3% for 30-year fixed-rate
loans, and about 2.5% for 15-year fixed-rate loans.
THE SHIPYARD CHRONICLES: Ever wondered what it's like to
perform a major overhaul on a large ship? The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has an
interesting report posted about the overhaul of the M/V New Jersey, one of
the ubiquitous ferry vessels that we've all seen plying the waters of the
Delaware Bay, shuttling cars and foot passengers between its namesake towns.
Whether you're a nautical buff or just enjoy interesting things, you'll
enjoy this quick look at the work being done to the ship:
THE SHIPYARD CHRONICLES: THE M/V NEW JERSEY
IN JUST THREE MONTHS we'll be starting the summer season!
The snow and cold weather will be replaced by sunshine and seabreezes--and
lots of fun family memories at the beach! Make sure you make some new
seashore memories this season. Please call or email me if you'd like to
visit for a week--or if you'd like to make it permanent!
This Weeks News 2/18/2021
Snow accumulated on the beach and dunes during last week's snowstorm.
The Avalon Fishing Pier is shown above.
MARKET STATS: The number of active listings has continued
to decline and is down 63% compared to last year. Combined with strong
purchase demand, there are limited choices in a variety of property
categories. For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster
Market Minute report.
VIEW THE LATEST LONG & FOSTER MARKET MINUTE REPORT |
DOWNLOAD/PRINT
PDF
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! SHOP-A-HOLICS WEEKEND is set for the
weekend of March 11th-14th in Avalon. Stay tuned for details and a list of
participating stores!
RAILBIKING is a new way to use old train tracks while
enjoying the scenery around them. A railbiking experience is available right
in Cape May, on the same rails that carried passengers to and from the shore
a hundred years ago. Railbikes can accommodate two or four passengers, who
pedal themselves on the 4-mile 90-minute out-and-back trip. Enjoy the
foliage and wildlife along the tracks--be sure to bring a camera!
INFO &
TICKETS: REVOLUTION RAIL CO. - CAPE MAY, NJ
THE SPRINGFIELD INN and its famous carousel bar have been
demolished to make way for a new restaurant at the site. The venerable Sea
Isle hang out will be replaced with The Point at Sea Isle City, a bar and
restaurant that will mimic the establishment with the same name in Somers
Point. The new operation is expected to open this summer.
AVALON will participate in centralized dispatch services
provided by Cape May County beginning March 1st. The move will save Avalon
money and provide better service, according to Avalon Council President John
McCorristin. Stone Harbor has already joined the county dispatch system;
Avalon's five-year agreement with the county runs through February 2026.
WHAT'S YOUR PLAN FOR 2021? Whatever you're looking to
achieve, I'm ready to help! Please call or email me today!
This Weeks News 2/11/2021
During last week's nor'easter most of us were indoors to keep warm. Not
the US Coast Guard, shown here practicing maneuvers through heavy seas in
order to qualify a new coxswain (helmsman). Mariners of all kinds appreciate
the fact that whenever they're needed, the Coast Guard is ready to respond.
MURRAY WOLF has retired from his position as Captain of the
Avalon Beach Patrol after 65 years. Wolf first joined the beach patrol in
1955 at age 17 and became captain in 1967. Wolf turned over the reins to his
son, Matthew Wolf, who will now serve as Chief, and Ryan Black, who will
serve as Captain.
PEOPLE PEOPLE of Stone Harbor suffered a two-alarm fire
last week, causing damage to the store. No one was injured in the fire,
which was quickly extinguished by the Stone Harbor Fire Company with help
from Avalon Fire Department and several other surrounding fire companies.
INTEREST RATES have increased a bit, according to Mike
Mento of Prosperity Mortgage. US Treasury debt has increased, and according
to Mento, "the more debt, the higher rates must go to sell it." Although
mortgage rates have increased slightly, Mento expects a slow upward trend,
rather than a sharp upward turn. From a historical perspective, mortgage
rates are still amazingly affordable--less than 3% for 30-year fixed-rate
loans, including both conforming and jumbo loan amounts.
SPRING DUNE GRASS PLANTING is just around the corner in
Avalon. Scheduled for April 17th at 8:30am with a rain date of April 18th,
volunteers will receive a brief planting demonstration and specially
designed tools to aid planting. Dune grass is critical to stabilizing dunes,
providing protection against erosion and storm damage. To volunteer for dune
grass planting, please call Chuck McDonnell at Community Hall at
609-967-3066 or Sue Keen at 609-967-5924.
EVER WONDER WHAT IT'S LIKE to fly one of the banner planes
that cruise along the beach all summer? From taking off to picking up the
banner, to flying along the beach, this 5-minute video shows everything from
a pilot's-eye view. You'll really appreciate what banner plane pilots do the
next time you see one overhead! Catch the video here:
BANNER TOWING - PARAMOUNT AIR NJ (YOUTUBE.COM)
WHAT CAN I HELP YOU WITH? Let me know what you need--I'm
ready to help! Whether you're thinking about selling, or considering your
first visit to Avalon & Stone Harbor, let me put my expertise to work for
you!
This Weeks News 2/4/2021
"Ghost tracks" are once again visible on Sunset Beach along Delaware
Bay, as seen in this 2014 photo. The Concrete Ship is visible in the
background. See below for more.
OUTDOOR DINING--HERE TO STAY? Outdoor dining became a
popular option during the pandemic, and many hope it's here to stay. Avalon
is reviewing its outdoor dining guidelines with an eye toward improving them
for the 2021 season. Other beach towns are doing the same, hoping to help
restaurants survive while retaining the popular option for patrons.
IN 2002, DUNE DRIVE underwent a major beautification
project, with the addition of stamped concrete sidewalks, trees, and
landscaping. The former right of way was transformed from asphalt and
concrete into an attractive, pedestrian friendly roadway with shade trees
and colorful plantings. Many of those original plantings are now in need of
replacement, and the Borough of Avalon is planning to have the work
substantially completed by Mother's Day. A presentation detailing the plans
can be viewed here:
DUNE DRIVE PLANTING COUNCIL PRESENTATION (PDF)
"GHOST TRACKS" on Sunset Beach along Delaware Bay have
returned. Having once served a sand mining plant, the long-abandoned tracks
have been buried under beach sand for decades but have recently reappeared
after wind and tides shifted some of the sand that obscured them. The tracks
run parallel to the Bay, and saltwater and time have taken their toll, but
they remain remarkably intact a hundred years after they were laid down. In
2014 the tracks appeared for the first time in recent memory, and large
crowds visited to have a look, as shown in the November 2014 photo above.
Shifting sands have covered and uncovered the tracks several times since
then. If you head to Cape May to visit the area, follow Sunset Boulevard to
the parking lot at the Bay, then walk northward along the beach.
Sunday's fire at Castaway Cove in Ocean City was fought by several fire
companies. Photo from Marmora Fire Company.
A MAJOR FIRE erupted early Sunday morning at Castaway Cove
on the Ocean City Boardwalk. The flames were fanned by strong winds, and
black smoke rising over the ocean could be seen for miles around. After
several hours, the Ocean City Fire Department brought the blaze under
control with assistance from surrounding fire companies. Castaway Cove
suffered severe damage to its office and arcade areas, but management has
emphatically stated they'll rebuild and be open for the 2021 season.
DID THE CAPE MAY BUBBLE affect our local snowfall earlier
this week? Find out February 6th at 10am as meteorologist Joe Martucci hosts
a Facebook Live presentation on the subject. Martucci will describe the
meteorology of our local area and separate fact from fiction. You can find
the presentation on Facebook here:
THE CAPE MAY BUBBLE - IS IT FOR REAL?
(There is a $5.99 fee for the event.)
THE WEATHER'S COLD, THE MARKET'S HOT! It may be cold
outside, but our real estate market is hot! Ready to buy or sell? Please
call or email me!