The remnants of Tropical Storm Ida passed through our area last week, bringing wind and rain.  A day after the storm cleared out the flag that flies over the bay behind Stone Harbor was replaced.  Here the brand-new flag waves in a breeze just before Labor Day Weekend began.

CAPE MAY COUNTY TOURISM was up by 25.8% during the first half of 2021 compared to the first half of 2019 as measured by occupancy tax collections, according to a recent Atlantic City Press article.  The boost in tourism is a welcome change over 2020, in which tax receipts show tourism was down by 21%.  Pent up demand and a desire to return to normalcy are credited with boosting tourism for 2021.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND brought good crowds and mostly good weather to the island.  Cool and dry weather at the start of the weekend was briefly interrupted by rain showers and some wind, but sunshine and pleasant breezes returned to finish off the weekend.  Beaches were busy until late Monday, and most restaurants and merchants reported a strong weekend.

MORE TO COME!  Even though Labor Day has passed, and schools are back in session, there is plenty of fun to be had.  Here are a few great examples:

AVALON’S END-OF-SUMMER SHOP HOP is set for September 10th, 11th, and 12th.   More than two dozen participating shops throughout Avalon offer sales and promotions on clothing, shoes, home decor, and more!

SAVOR SEPTEMBER returns Saturday, September 25th in Stone Harbor, the tenth anniversary of the event.  Centered around 96th Street, the wine, beer, and food festival combines tasting with shopping and dining, along with great music!  A $20 tasting package includes a wine glass.

AVALON’S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL is a perennial favorite, and returns October 9th and 10th, from 10am to 5pm.  Enjoy fresh seafood from local vendors, live music, crafts, and live-streamed football games.

DO YOU DISCARD your decorative tropical plants at the end of the season?  If so, consider donating them to the Cape May County Zoo instead.  According to the Zoo they can use non-toxic indoor plants like most palms, Ficus, spider plants, corn plants, (Dracaena), hibiscus, and Boston ferns.  The plants are used in indoor monkey dens and World of Birds displays.  Please send a message to the Cape May County Zoo via cmczaazk@gmail.com to make sure they can use your plants before dropping them off.

Nico the marmoset enjoys a plant donated to the Cape May County Zoo!

New Listings:

250 105th Street, West, Stone Harbor, $919,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213272

343 87th Street, S, Stone Harbor, $1,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213289

8823 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,600,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213273

8 103rd Street, East, Stone Harbor, $2,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213268

311 42nd Street, Avalon, $3,100,013, ACTIVE MLS#: 213229

75 E. 24th Street, Avalon, $3,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213283

7708 Sunset Drive, Avalon, $6,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213263

Properties Under Contract:

2307 Dune Drive, Avalon, $599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212689

7830 Ocean Drive, North, Avalon, $1,745,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 213174

198 66th Street, Avalon, $3,950,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 210968

50 E. 10th Street, Avalon, $5,250,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212393

Properties Sold:

2326 Dune Drive, 2326, Avalon, $1,120,000, SOLD MLS#: 211265

Cloudy skies and a high tide made for dramatic reflections in our back bay waters last week.  Scott Zimmerman captured this great shot behind Seven Mile Island.  Thanks Scott!

OVER 50 LIFEGUARDS from across the state came to Cape May last Friday to guard the beaches, so Cape May lifeguards could attend the funeral of 16-year old lifeguard Norman Inferrera, who died during an on-duty accident.  Inferrera was seriously injured when a rogue wave broke and capsized his boat, and later succumbed to his injuries.  The Cape May Beach Patrol later reached out to more than 20 beach patrols for assistance covering the beaches during Inferrera’s funeral and were overwhelmed with rapid responses from Cape May Point to North Jersey.  According to a recent Atlantic City Press article, Avalon Beach Patrol Lieutenant Erich Wolf was among those who volunteered at Cape May, and even manned Inferrera’s lifeguard stand.

Lifeguards from across New Jersey guarded Cape May’s beaches last Friday, so Cape May Lifeguards could attend the funeral of one of their own.  Photo by Richard Demers/Facebook.

THE GREATEST THING ABOUT EVERY SINGLE JERSEY SHORE TOWN!  That was the title of a recent NJ.com article which listed highlights from towns up and down the coast.  Curious what the article listed?  Here are a few of them:

• Avalon: Avalon Freeze
• Stone Harbor: Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
• Sea Isle City: Fish Alley
• Middle Township: Cape May County Park & Zoo
• Cape May: Victorian homes
• Wildwood: the Tram Car

9/11 CEREMONIES will be held in Avalon and Stone Harbor, commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the event.  Avalon’s ceremony will take place September 11th at 9am at the memorial at 21st Street and Dune Drive.  Former Congressman Frank Lobiondo will be the guest speaker, and Miss New Jersey, Alyssa Sullivan, will sing the National Anthem.  Stone Harbor will host a 9/11 Memorial Run at 8:46am on September 11th (the time the first tower was struck).  Registration will close at 8:30am to ensure all runners are ready.  Sign up information can be found here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/StoneHarbor/StoneHarborAvalon911Memorial5K  After the run the fire department will host a memorial ceremony at Freedom Park at 10:30am.

MOSTLY SUNNY, HIGHS IN THE 70S: That’s the forecast for the three-day holiday weekend!  After the remnants of Ida finish dropping rain this week, skies are expected to clear up.  Hopefully the forecast will hold so we can all squeeze in some extra beach days and family barbeques!

IT’S NOT OVER!  Although Labor Day Weekend traditionally marks the end of summer and the return to the school year, those lucky enough to be able to stay on the island during September and October call it the “Second Summer.”  Warm days, cool nights, and smaller crowds are among the highlights to be enjoyed!

 

New Listings:

7830 Ocean Drive, North, Avalon, $1,745,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213174

Properties Under Contract:

7888 Dune Drive, 230, Avalon, $386,500, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212722

328 81st Street, 7, Stone Harbor, $979,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 213115

376 95th Street, #2 Rear, Stone Harbor, $1,350,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212696

10 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $1,390,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212705

100 96th Street, Beach Club, Stone Harbor, $1,475,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 213167

263 82nd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,000,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 213076

148 19th Street, Avalon, $2,199,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 213098

393 24th Street, Avalon, $3,445,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 213189

Properties Sold:

177 80th Street, 305, Avalon, $853,000, SOLD MLS#: 212445

7888 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,325,000, SOLD MLS#: 185665

185 30th Street, Avalon, $2,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 212572

7789 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,550,000, SOLD MLS#: 212303

618 22nd Street, West, Avalon, $2,950,000, SOLD MLS#: 212476

888 First Avenue, Avalon, $3,670,000, SOLD MLS#: 211913

15-year-old Braeden Kelly took this beautiful photo of an almost-full moon over the 84th Street beach on the evening of August 20th.  Great shot, Braeden!

MARKET STATS: The median sale price inched up to $1,453,000 in July, up from $1,312,500 from last year.  While the number of July sales exceeded those in June, both months were down slightly compared to last year, held back by low inventory levels.  In the past month or two, the number of active listings has ticked up slightly, after a long decline.  For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute below.

View The Latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report  |  Download/Print PDF

AVALON RESCUE SQUAD will host the JeffSTAT 4 helicopter on Monday, August 30th at 5pm, which will be available for public viewing at the Avalon Elementary School.  JeffSTAT 4 is one of four helicopters available to transport critically ill or injured patients in South Jersey or Pennsylvania and is stationed at Woodbine Airport.  With a typical airspeed of 120 knots (138mph), it can be in Avalon four minutes after takeoff, or in Cape May in eight minutes.  JeffSTAT 4 is making the visit to Avalon at the request of the Avalon Rescue Squad.

A MILLION DOLLAR FISH!  Actually, the heaviest blue marlin caught in this year’s MidAtlantic Tournament was worth more–$1,167,762 to be precise.  The 1,135-pound blue marlin was caught aboard the 63′ “Billfisher” on the fifth and final day of this year’s tournament, beating a 958-pound blue marlin that had been caught earlier in the week.  The heaviest white marlin weighed 82-pounds, winning the crew of “Sea Wolf” $1,001,335 in prize money.  More than 200 boats from all over the east coast competed in this year’s MidAtlantic, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the event, which is hosted in both Cape May, NJ and Ocean City, MD.

AIRFEST 2021 takes place over Labor Day Weekend, September 3rd-6th, at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum at Cape May Airport.  The event runs 10am to 4pm each day and includes aircraft fly-ins, static aircraft displays, a US Army UH-60 Lifesaving demo, classic car displays, food, and a beer garden.  Regular admission for adults is $14, and children are $10.  Click here for more info: https://usnasw.org/events-2/

PLAN AHEAD–DUNE GRASS PLANTING: Pencil in a few hours the morning of Saturday, October 23rd to plant dune grass in Avalon along with other volunteers.  After a brief instructional meeting at 8:30am at Community Hall, volunteers will plant sprigs of dune grass using provided tools.  A light lunch will follow.  Dune grass is essential to a healthy dune system, as its roots help stabilize the sand, providing storm protection to the island.   Save the date and watch for an update as we get closer to the event!

PERHAPS THE BEST PART OF OWNING A SHORE HOME is not having to go home at the end of the summer!  If you love Avalon & Stone Harbor, why not make it permanent?  Whether you want a small condo for getaways or a huge beachfront mansion, we’ve got something for you!  Call or email me today!

 

New Listings:

286 16th Street, 2, Avalon, $949,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213099

328 81st Street, 7, Stone Harbor, $979,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213115

10009 Sunset Drive, 3, Stone Harbor, $1,150,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213114

4109 4th Avenue, B, Avalon, $1,399,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213085

388 39th Street, West, Avalon, $1,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213045

263 82nd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,000,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213076

148 19th Street, Avalon, $2,199,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213098

274 106th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213082

55 30th Street, Avalon, $4,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213027

15 105th Street, Stone Harbor, $5,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213102

412 42nd Street, Avalon, $6,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213122

Properties Under Contract:

189 11th Street, Avalon, $1,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 213040

250 24th Street, West, Avalon, $1,745,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212582

3546 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $2,275,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 213001

7463 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $2,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 213074

261 47th Street, Avalon, $2,498,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 211519

387 83rd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 211768

8600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,075,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212899

10318 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,735,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212682

8500 Pennsylvania Avenue, Stone Harbor, $6,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202606

Properties Sold:

7800 Dune Drive, 130, Avalon, $280,000, SOLD MLS#: 211388

7929 Dune Drive, 303, Avalon, $442,000, SOLD MLS#: 211384

237 29th Street, East Side, Avalon, $2,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 212267

279 26th Street, West, Avalon, $2,220,000, SOLD MLS#: 212416

10911 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 211427

547 24th Street, West, Avalon, $3,401,817, SOLD MLS#: 213075

4813 Fourth Avenue, Avalon, $3,970,000, SOLD MLS#: 212319

This glorious evening on the back bay was captured by Peter Soens.  Thanks for sharing it with us, Peter!

AVALON’S FLOOD INSURANCE MITIGATION meeting will take place Saturday, August 21st, at 9am at Borough Hall.  Property owners should bring their elevation certificate, flood insurance declaration page, and two photos of the exterior of their home to have them reviewed by professionals.  Avalon property owners currently enjoy a 35% discount on their flood insurance premiums borough-wide thanks to flood mitigation efforts by the borough.  Having your specific property reviewed might reveal ways to further lower your own flood insurance premiums.

THE NEW JERSEY COASTAL COALITION has a new app for weather emergency information.  Text message or email notifications are provided during weather emergencies, along with real time flooding maps and evacuation routes.  Check out more about the system (or sign up) on the Borough of Stone Harbor’s website; Stone Harbor has been assisting with the development of the NJCC App: https://stoneharbornj.org/new-jersey-coastal-coalition-njcc-weather-emergency-alert-app-is-now-public/

MORE THAN 200 BOATS are competing in the annual MidAtlantic Tournament this week.  Based in both Cape May and Ocean City, Maryland, boats will each select three days on which to fish this week and will weigh in their largest catches each evening.  Categories include blue marlin, white marlin, tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi), and wahoo.  Last year over $4,000,000 was paid out in prize money.

AVALON BEACH PATROL announced that all designated swimming beaches will be staffed with at least one lifeguard through Labor Day, Monday, September 6th.  After that, due to traditional late season staffing shortages, a response team will be manned through September 12th, from 9:30am to 9pm.  The Beach Patrol reminds everyone to swim only when lifeguards are on duty.

STONE HARBOR’S SIDEWALK SALE returns Saturday, August 28th from 9am to 7pm.  The annual favorite is a great way to support local businesses while taking advantage of great deals and promotions.  While you’re in town grab a bite at one of your favorite restaurants!

INTEREST RATES HOLDING; PURCHASE DEMAND CONTINUES: While interest rates have fluctuated a bit recently, they remain at or below 3% for various types of mortgage loans.  That continues to spur purchase demand, which has remained strong.  The pace of new listings has increased slightly in recent weeks, though overall inventory remains tight.  Whatever your real estate goals are, let’s talk and formulate a plan to achieve them!

GOTTA DO IT: History at the Shore!  Perhaps it was the beach that first drew you to Seven Mile Island…but have you explored the history of our island and the surrounding area?  A real variety of museums can be found throughout the county, with an equally varied range of subject matter.  Start right at home and explore the museums on Seven Mile Island, then explore some of the other nearby options!

Avalon History Center, https://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/ahc/

Stone Harbor Museum, https://stoneharbormuseum.org/

Cape May County Museum, Cape May Court House, http://cmcmuseum.org/

Sea Isle City Museum, http://seaislemuseum.com/
Harriet Tubman Museum, Cape May, https://www.harriettubmanmuseum.org/

US Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum, Cape May County Airport, https://usnasw.org/

Ocean City Historical Museum, https://www.ocnjmuseum.org/

Doo Wop Museum, Wildwood, https://www.doowopusa.org/the-museum

Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May, https://hcsv.org/

 

New Listings:

7888 Dune Drive, 113, Avalon, $299,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212967

331 40th Street, Avalon, $1,450,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212998

333 40th Street, Avalon, $1,450,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212999

269 29th Street, East, Avalon, $1,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212933

3546 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $2,275,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213001

335 6th Street, Avalon, $3,999,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 212947

55 30th Street, Avalon, $4,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 213027

112 115th Street, Stone Harbor, $6,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212973

 

Properties Under Contract:

455 21st Street, Avalon, $1,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212394

10422 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,400,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204146

8731 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212957

178 37th Street, Avalon, $3,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212621

10605 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,095,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212206

50 E. 15th Street, Avalon, $4,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212448

35 E. 17th Street, Avalon, $4,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212993

8913 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $4,600,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212149

8520 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $5,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 211858

 

Properties Sold:

7888 Dune Drive, 109, Avalon, $299,000, SOLD MLS#: 212721

7888 Dune Drive, 128, Avalon, $351,500, SOLD MLS#: 211295

206 110th Street, 1st Floor, Stone Harbor, $800,000, SOLD MLS#: 211896

265 100th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,425,000, SOLD MLS#: 211823

9619 Seng Place, Stone Harbor, $2,799,000, SOLD MLS#: 211906

365 96th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,726,000, SOLD MLS#: 212357

Ken Rothweiler captured this beautiful sunset from Avalon’s 8th Street jetty.  Thanks for sharing, Ken!  For more on the 8th Street jetty, and other unique locations, see below.

A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVE: The Atlantic City Airshow returns on Wednesday, August 18th after a hiatus last year.  This year’s lineup includes the United State Air Force Thunderbirds flying F-16 Fighting Falcons, as well as the USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team.  Other favorites include the P-51 Mustang, the US Army Golden Knights parachute team, and a US Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration.  The air show is free; check out show info here: https://airshow.acchamber.com/

GOOD TIME TO SELL?  75% of respondents said it’s a good time to sell, according to Fannie Mae’s recent Home Purchase Sentiment Index survey.  46% of respondents believe home prices will continue to increase in the next year, while only 21% believe they’ll go down.  57% think interest rates will rise in the next year, while 31% believe they’ll remain flat; only 5% believe they’ll fall.

If you’re thinking of selling, it may be a great time to do so.  Take advantage of limited inventory, low rates, and strong purchase demand.  Call me and let’s talk!

OTTERS SEEN ‘ROUND THE ISLAND!  Otters have recently been seen in the back bay waters, having made several appearances near docks and bulkheads.  Otters appear from time to time as they seek shellfish for food, which they capture with their claws.  More than one clever otter has been known to open floating bait buckets that fishermen use to store live bait–much to the surprise of the fishermen, who find them empty after the otters leave!

GOTTA DO IT: UNIQUE LOCATIONS!  We all love the beach, but sometimes it’s fun to see things from a different perspective.  Here are some interesting and beautiful island locations to check out!

• Avalon’s 8th Street Jetty: Jutting out several hundred yards into the Atlantic, the jetty offers a fascinating location from which to observe ocean waves, boat traffic entering and exiting Townsend’s Inlet, plus a unique view of sunsets while looking back toward Avalon’s beaches.
• Avalon Boardwalk: It’s far from a secret spot, but if you spend most of your time in Avalon’s South End (or Stone Harbor), perhaps you’ve overlooked the boardwalk.  Running from 21st Street to 32nd Street, it offers a fantastic option for a scenic stroll along the dunes, with a view of the beach and ocean.  Street-end parking is available the entire length of the boardwalk, in addition to a large parking lot between 28th Street and 30th Street.
• Avalon Bay Park Marina: Stretching from 53rd to 57th Streets along Ocean Drive, stunning bay views and sunsets are yours almost any evening.  At the 53rd Street end of the park is a pier overlooking the bay–a great place to catch a breeze during the day or a sunset at night.
• 81st Street Municipal Marina & 83rd Street Fishing Pier: Overlooking the IntraCoastal Waterway, both locations offer up-close views of boats of all kinds.  In the evenings sunsets over the bay are magnificent.  During a thunderstorm, drive to the 81st Street Municipal Marina and watch the lightning show!
• 88th & 101st Street Covered Piers: Offering shade on a sunny day and benches for rest, the piers are a great place to stop during a long island walk or bike ride.  Views of the dunes and beach are yours, along with panoramic ocean views.  Even bad-weather days make for great ocean views from the piers.
• Stone Harbor Point: Located at the southernmost end of Stone Harbor, The Point offers a little bit of everything: swim at guarded beaches near 122nd Street; watch Hobie Cats and other catamarans sail off the beach; walk southward along the beach toward Hereford Inlet and explore tidal pools and shifting sands.  On your way back walk the path through the dunes and climb up to the top of the observation platform for a 360-degree view.
• Townsend’s Inlet Beach: Located at the southern end of Sea Isle City, the Townsend’s Inlet Beach stretches from the ocean on one side, under the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge, to the bay on the other side.  It’s a great area to walk, explore, fish, or watch sunsets.
• Cove Beach in Cape May: Located at the foot of Beach Avenue, the beach makes a nearly 90-degree turn, meaning it’s possible to stand on the beach, look across the ocean water, and see the Cape May Light House behinds the beach on the other side of The Cove.  After finishing at The Cove stroll northward several blocks along Cape May’s Oceanfront Promenade!

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST?  The prime weeks of summer are here–time to make sure you check off items on your Summer Bucket List!

New Listings:

192 83rd Street, #4/2nd Fl., Stone Harbor, $1,649,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212892

269 E. 29th, East, Avalon, $1,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212933

8600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,075,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212899

171 113th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,799,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 212894

130 74th Street, Avalon, $12,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212901

Properties Under Contract:

7888 Dune Drive, 109, Avalon, $299,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212721

7888 Dune Drive, 228, Avalon, $386,500, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212865

100 96th Street, 305, Stone Harbor, $1,149,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212074

239 29th Street, West, Avalon, $2,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212584

63 W. 30th Street, Avalon, $2,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212806

329 93rd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,499,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 211085

573 21st Street, Avalon, $3,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212532

178 37th Street, Avalon, $3,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212621

111 119th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,276,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 211358

111 100th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,800,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212690

Properties Sold:

7888 Dune Drive, 112, Avalon, $297,000, SOLD MLS#: 189702

700 Ocean Drive, D4, Avalon, $999,000, SOLD MLS#: 211826

263 103rd Street, East, Stone Harbor, $1,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 212507

25 E. 11th Street, Avalon, $4,150,000, SOLD MLS#: 203860

Marilyn O’Donoghue captured this image of an egret feeding in the back bay last week.  Egrets stalk pray in shallow tidal areas, where they find small fish and crabs.  Nice shot, Marilyn!

AVALON FLOOD INSURANCE MEETING FOR PROPERTY OWNERS:  Avalon and the New Jersey Coastal Coalition invite you to a meeting to discuss flood insurance, and ways to lower your premiums.  Avalon property owners currently enjoy a 35% discount on flood insurance premiums thanks to Avalon’s efforts to achieve a Class 3 certification in the Community Rating System.  But reviewing your own property’s elevation certificate and flood insurance policy may reveal ways to lower your own premium further.  The meeting will take place Saturday, August 21st at 9am at Avalon Borough Hall, and is sponsored by Heist Insurance Agency and Risk Reduction Plus.  Council Vice President Sam Wierman, Borough Construction Official and Floodplain Manager Ed Dean, and municipal engineer Thomas Thornton will be in attendance to help provide local insight.  Property owners should bring to the meeting their elevation certificate, flood insurance declaration page, and two photos of the exterior of your property.

STONE HARBOR has expanded its residential trash & recycling drop off to include Friday as well as Saturday.  Trash & recycling trucks are set up at the Municipal Marina parking lot Fridays from 8am to 3pm and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm.  Traditionally the borough collected trash & recycling from residences twice per week, but a labor shortage has cut that to once per week this summer.  Residents may optionally place cans at the curb on their designated pick-up day in order to speed up collection.

CAPE MAY COUNTY WILL RECEIVE $3.3 MILLION in funding for infrastructure improvements for fiscal 2022, funded by the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund.  New Jersey’s 21 counties will share $161.25 million in fiscal 2022, with funds apportioned based on population and road mileage.   The county will select eligible road, bridge, or transportation related projects and seek NJDOT approval for them by December 1st.

TAKE A KID FISHING–WITH THE MAYOR!  Avalon Mayor Marty Pagliughi will host a morning of fishing on Monday, August 9th at 9am, at the Avalon Fishing Pier.  The annual “Fishing with the Mayor” event is for children ages 5 through 12.  No equipment is necessary–the Avalon Recreation Department will provide fishing poles and bait to all participants.  Registration is required, as only 25 spots are available.  Call 609-967-3066 or email recinfo@avalonboro.org to register.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 331 celebrates its 75th Anniversary with an open house on Saturday, August 7th from 1pm to 3pm.  Located at 117th Street & Second Avenue, Legion Post #331 opened in 1946, and it’s housed in a former US Life Saving Service station that first opened in 1895.

AVALON LIFEGUARDS took first place in team scoring at the Dave Kerr Jr. Memorial Lifeguard Races, held on the 35th Street beach last week in Avalon.  Finishing in second place was Sea Isle City, followed by Wildwood Crest and Stone Harbor.  Avalon also finished first in the Swim, and second in the Doubles Row and Iron Man Medley.  Congratulations!

GOTTA DO IT: LOCAL MUSIC!  Not many things put you in as good a mood as listening to live music on a beautiful summer evening at the shore!  Here are a several options to consider!

• Sundays at Surfside (free):  Sundays at 7pm at Surfside Park, Avalon.  August 8th, Central Park; August 15th, Dead Reckoning; August 22nd, Beatlemania; August 29th, Magical Mystery Doors Summer Finale (concert will run until 9pm)
• Tuesdays at the Tower (free): Tuesdays at 7pm under the Stone Harbor Water Tower.  August 10th, 40 North; August 17th, Bluebone; August 24th, Marnie’s Musicians; August 31st, Pure Jerry.
• Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal Summer Concert Series (free):  Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm to 8:30pm on the Green.  August 4th, Parrot Beach (Buffet Tribute); August 11th, AM Gold (Yacht Rock); August 18th, Don’t Call Me Francis (South Jersey’s Legendary Party Band), August 25th, Separate Ways (Journey Tribute)
• Mac McAnally at the Windrift: Tuesday, August 17th, 7pm, at the Windrift, 80th Street & the beach.  Mac McAnally has achieved fame as a country singer-songwriter, and as a guitarist in Jimmy Buffet’s Coral Reefer Band.  For info and tickets visit:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mac-mcanally-live-concert-at-the-windrift-tickets-164045040131?aff=AvalonChamber
• Barefoot Country Music Festival: August 19-22, on the beach, Wildwood.  More than three dozen country music artists are slated to perform at this three-day event on the beach in Wildwood, including Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Billy Currington.   For info and tickets visit: https://barefootcountrymusicfest.com/

 

New Listings:

306 76th Street, Avalon, $2,435,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212797

63 W. 30th Street, Avalon, $2,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 212806

Properties Under Contract:

7800 Dune Drive, 227, Avalon, $292,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202957

9401 Sunset Drive, 2, Stone Harbor, $995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212717

274 35th Street, Avalon, $1,589,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212808

325 7th Street, Avalon, $1,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212581

266 42nd Street, Avalon, $1,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212494

428 42nd Street, Avalon, $2,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 212713

Properties Sold:

7888 Dune Drive, 114, Avalon, $297,000, SOLD MLS#: 212087

7888 Dune Drive, 126, Avalon, $347,000, SOLD MLS#: 211919

456 Avalon Blvd, Avalon Manor, $500,000, SOLD MLS#: 202995

1539 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,453,000, SOLD MLS#: 212348

220 86th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,895,000, SOLD MLS#: 202379