Avalon & Stone Harbor Weekly Update 7/20/2017

MARKET STATS: The ratio of sold prices to list prices increased by 4% in June in the Avalon-Stone Harbor market versus the same month last year, while the number of new listings was down 33% versus last year. The number of units sold last month increased slightly from a year ago. For a detailed look at the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report, click here: http://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.pdf

DOLPHINS EVERYWHERE! Lots of dolphin sightings have been reported just off Avalon & Stone Harbor beaches. Sometimes playing just beyond the surf, and sometimes a bit further off the beach, dolphins routinely travel up and down the beaches. Occasionally they’ll venture into the inlets or even the back bays, if following a food source. Whether you’re spotting them from the beach or from a boat, they’re always a joy to see!

Several pods of dolphins swam along Seven Mile Beach last Sunday. This pod was seen off the 96^th Street beach.

“SORRY CAPTAIN, the bridge can’t be opened for a couple of days!” That’s the answer boat captains heard this past Sunday when a critical part on the 96^th Street Bridge failed, leaving the bridge “stuck” in the closed position. Automobile traffic could flow freely, but boats needing an opening couldn’t get one. The only choice? Take “the long way” around via the ocean. At the time of this writing, new parts were on order and expected to be installed this week, returning the bridge to normal operation. There has been significant discussion about Cape May County bridges recently. The Townsend’s Inlet Bridge was closed to automobile traffic earlier this season while it underwent emergency repairs, and the Grassy Sound Bridge (linking North Wildwood to Nummy Island and eventually Stone Harbor via Ocean Drive) doesn’t open for boat traffic during hot weather due to mechanical issues. Combined with the 96^th Street Bridge, that’s three bridges surrounding Seven Mile Island with issues. Replacement of even a single bridge is extraordinarily expensive, but last week county freeholders discussed potentially issuing an $18 million bond, including $8 million for local bridge work.

TAKE A RIDE INTO YESTERYEAR! Historic Cold Spring Village features its annual “Railroad Days” this weekend. Visitors will find working model trains, garden railways, and railroad displays. Just added to the event are historic railroad motorcars, often known as “speeders”, which will take patrons for a short ride along the historic railroad tracks adjacent to Cold Spring Village. The tracks once carried steam trains from Philadelphia and Camden into Cape May, and served as the main method of transportation to and from Cape May County’s seashore towns for decades. Cape May Seashore Lines will run the trips, which will depart every 30 minutes from 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday, July 22^nd and 23^rd. Speeder car tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. (Patrons must purchase tickets for entrance to Historic Cold Spring Village, which are $12 for adults and $10 for kids.)

Visit Historic Cold Spring Village for “Railroad Days” and take a ride on a “speeder car” this weekend!

AVALON LIFEGUARD Erich Wolf took first place in the 49^th Annual Beschen-Callahan Lifeguard Championships in North Wildwood. Thanks to Wolf’s first place finish, Avalon finished in a three way tie for the team championship. After a tiebreaker Avalon finished second overall. Congratulations to Wolf and all Avalon lifeguards!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays on Dune Concert featuring Legendary Bar Busters, family friendly activities throughout Avalon’s business district from 5:30PM, concert at Veteran’s Plaza at 7PM, Thursday, July 20
Thursdays on the Lawn concert featuring The Quietmen, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stone Harbor, 7:30PM, Thursday, July 20
Lecture by George A. Pagano, II, Rowing Across the Atlantic, Avalon Free Public Library, 7PM, Friday, July 21
Avalon Historical Society Clam Shell Competition, 30^th Street beach, www.avalonhistorycenter.org for details, 9AM, Saturday, July 22
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour, meet at the Egret Espy Entrance at 114^th Street & Second Avenue, 10AM, Saturday, July 22
Santa Visits His Summer Home in Stone Harbor, town-wide activities with Santa & Mrs. Claus, www.stoneharborbeach.com for details, Sunday, July 23 through Saturday, July 29
Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 95^th Street & Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, July 23
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail Entrance at 114^th Street & Second Avenue, 10AM, Sunday, July 23
Avalon Aware Lecture by Dr. Stewart Farrell, The Evolution of Avalon’s Beaches for the Past 30 Years, Avalon Free Public Library, 7PM, Monday, July 24
Family Fun Night at the Stone Harbor Firehouse, 7-7:45PM, Monday, July 24
Tuesdays at the Tower, concert featuring Dead Reckoning, Stone Harbor’s Water Tower Plaza, 7PM, Tuesday, July 25
Avalon’s Beach Movie featuring Moana, 30^th Street & the Beach, dusk, Tuesday, July 25
Summer Author Series with Sally Mott Freeman, ‘The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and His Family’s Quest to Bring Him Home,’ Avalon Free Public Library, 7PM, Wednesday, July 26
Stone Harbor Museum Summer Lecture Series featuring Jim Talone & Jamie Hand, ‘Ben Franklin and the Cape May Mitten Trade,’ 7PM, Wednesday, July 26
Thursdays on Dune Concert featuring BLT Orchestra, family friendly activities throughout Avalon’s business district from 5:30PM, concert at Veteran’s Plaza at 7PM, Thursday, July 27
Thursdays on the Lawn concert featuring Eddie’s Mom, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stone Harbor, 7:30PM, Thursday, July 27
International Tiger Day at the Cape May County Zoo, tiger related activities & keeper talks, www.cmczoo.com for info, 10AM-3PM, Saturday, July 29
Brendan Borek 7^th Annual Low Tide Beach Ride, registration online at https://ltbr.ticketleap.com/ltbr2017/ 9th Street & the Beach, 6:30PM, Saturday, July 29
Avalon Aware Lecture by Tom Thornton, An Overview of the New FEMA Flood Maps for Avalon, Avalon Free Public Library, 7PM, Monday, July 31

Value Alerts:

Just 7 houses from the beach, this South-end Avalon home is a delight. Take a look at the photos, this property is priced right and move-in ready.

237 66th St., Avalon, $2,290,000, ACTIVE MLS# 176862

This one-of-a-kind 7 bedroom, 4,800 sq. ft. home with wrap-around decks, amazing pool and cabana area, and ocean views, sits on a huge 100′ x 110′ lot. With the added plus of being located in one of the nicest sections of Stone Harbor, this home is a winner!

135 87th St., Stone Harbor, $2,850,000, ACTIVE MLS# 172176 PRICE REDUCED!

This corner unit in Cornell Harbor has amazing water views, decks with privacy, and a garage. Enjoy the pool and use your boat at your own 10′ x 28′ boat slip. This 3-story unit is an opportunity at $879,900.

43 Marine Way, Avalon, $879,900, ACTIVE MLS# 176019

Have you been thinking about your dream bayfront condo with unobstructed sunset and wetlands views? This 3-bedroom unit has been renovated and decorated to perfection and includes a boat slip. This is a must-see opportunity!

1558 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,179,000, ACTIVE MLS# 176193 – PRICE REDUCED!

Enjoy the stunning channel and sunset view from this beautiful move-in ready home. With a pool, third floor observation deck, and walking distance to town, this property is a winner.

8800 Sunset Dr., Stone Harbor, $1,949,000, ACTIVE MLS# 174945 – PRICE REDUCED!

New Listings:

236 24th Street, Avalon, $989,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 177251

153 7th Street, Avalon, $2,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 177280

6 Pelican Drive, Avalon, $2,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 177191

139 94th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 177239

9201 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 177243

176 61st Street, Avalon, $9,975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 177248

Properties Sold:

351 96th St., #103, Stone Harbor, $245,500, SOLD MLS#: 168155

7929 Dune Drive, Unit 102, Avalon, $272,000, SOLD MLS#: 170802

263 27th Street, Avalon, $969,000, SOLD MLS#: 175359