2021:

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March

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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!