Jitneys coming to Avalon, Stone Harbor this summer

 By TRUDI GILFILLIAN Staff Writer

A fleet of jitneys will give visitors to Avalon and Stone Harbor a new way to get around this summer.

“We liked the idea of a public transportation alternative that’s green and safe,” said John O’Dea, president of the Avalon Chamber of Commerce.

Avalon and Stone Harbor saw the success of similar programs in places such as Sea Isle City and decided to look into it, O’Dea said. That led to discussions with the Atlantic City Jitney Association and plans to run a jitney route between the two towns that share Seven Mile Beach in Cape May County.

The jitneys will roll into the towns Memorial Day weekend and eventually begin running from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week from the end of June through Labor Day. O’Dea said the jitneys will give visitors a way to get to the island’s stores, bars and restaurants without having to drive.

The need for an alternative became clear as more people requested the service, said Jean Miersch, office coordinator for the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

“At the chamber, we get to hear from people about what is missing. The last couple of years it became clear that transportation up and down the island was very much missing,” she said.

Sea Isle City operated a jitney route last year, and Mayor Len Desiderio said the service was popular among tourists.

“It was a huge success, and we were happy we were able to bring the jitneys from Atlantic City to Sea Isle City,” Desiderio said. “It’s a great way of moving people around the community.”

Sea Isle is bringing the vehicles back this summer and plans to use them this weekend during the city’s Polar Plunge, an event that draws about 50,000 people in the middle of winter.

Desiderio said the jitneys allow visitors to park and stay put.

“All shore communities have a parking problem, so the jitneys were a welcome addition,” he said.

Miersch said Tom Hand, owner of Fred’s Tavern in Stone Harbor, was active in trying to get the jitneys on the island last year, but the program didn’t come together in time.

“I really think it’s going to grow,” Miersch said.

Scott Wahl, public information officer for Avalon and Stone Harbor, said the jitney plan has the support of both local governments, which will help promote the jitneys.

The fare will be $2 from 6 to 11 p.m. and $4 for late-night service until 2 a.m.

Wahl said the route will include Dune Drive/Second Avenue and Ocean Drive from 20th Street in Avalon to 96th Street in Stone Harbor.

He added that the jitneys use compressed natural gas, making them eco-friendly.

Brought to you by the Landis Co., Realtors, Sea Isle City, NJ For more information about Sea Isle City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor Real Estate contact as at info@LandisCo.com , 609-457-0258 or on the web at www.LandisCo.com .

Sea Isle City Sunrise at It's Best ! Perfect !

One of the best things about living and visiting Sea Isle City is be close to nature. I'm no expert on nature but I know how it makes me feel. There is something about the water, sky, sun that is magical. It never seems to be the same colors or cloud formations, but I always have this feeling of freedom and grace from knowing we are all looking at the same thing from where ever we are.

Living for most of my life near the ocean has been amazing in the sense that I never get tired of it even in the shortest days of the winter. If you want to find out more about the Jersey Shore lifestyle check us out online at www.LandisCo.com and I'm sure you will find an agent at The Landis Co., Realtors that can help you discover what you would want and need in a vacation home. If it's for one week or a lifetime, I'm sure you will find a home either in Sea Isle City or the surrounding area. IML

Eleven Things You Should Know Before Buying a Waterfront Home:

Pre-qualifying for a home, understanding navigable water use laws, conducting a professional home inspection, verifying property lines and purchasing insurance; buying a home can be a complicated process. But add “waterfront” into the equation and things get a little more complex. The good news is, Realtors regularly deal with waterfront properties know the ins and outs of this process. The following tips will give you a heads-up on what to expect when purchasing a home by the water.

1. Find a real estate agent that specializes in waterfront properties. Since there are fewer waterfront properties for sale, most agents won’t have the specialized knowledge of appraising or investigating waterfront properties. In fact, it’s not unusual for a real estate agent to never have a single waterfront transaction in the entire career. Sometimes “you may think you’ve found a great deal” but the reason it’s a great deal could be restrictive use conditions or protected plants and animals etc. You might not be able to create that private beach you’ve been dreaming about.
2. Consider the property more than the house. “Oftentimes, people fall in love with a house, but after they buy it, they realize the swimming is mucky, the view’s not very good, it’s difficult to get down to the water, or the place is not very private,” says Ted Silberstein, a real estate agent and GIS analyst with Parsons Realty. Ted specializes in land use restrictions and is an advisor to all of the Parsons’ real estate agents. Long story short, you can change the house, but you can’t change the location, so buy a property that you really love after you’ve checked it out first.
3. Can anyone use the waterway in front of your home? The answer is YES. Therefore it’s important to know if the area you’re considering is the “local hangout” on the weekends or during the summer months. Agents specializing in waterfront properties will know this. Here’s an excerpt of the regulations regarding waterways. The public’s right to use California waterways is guaranteed by the United States and California Constitutions and affirmed by California Legislative Codes. Both Federal and California case law further define and affirm these rights. The United States Constitution says - Freedom of navigation and the public’s right to use rivers are guaranteed by the Commerce Clause. The congressional Act admitting States to the Union requires that “all the navigable waters within said State shall be common highways and forever free.” Therefore, when you barbecue, be sure to throw on another shrimp just in case you have company.
4. Choose a property that dovetails with your lifestyle. You may find a beautiful property for sale, but it’s a 30 minute drive to the closest boat launch. “If you’re passionate about fly fishing on the Sacramento River, that’s going to make a difference in how often you actually do it. Focus on the activities you’re passionate about and choose a property accordingly.
5. Look into loans early. Since many waterfront properties are more expensive than other properties, loans will often fall into the jumbo mortgage category, In addition, there may not be recent sales in the area to justify the “cost per square foot” since a good chunk of the purchase price is allocated to the unique location. Chris Lamm of Security 1 Lending says “lenders will therefore only consider very qualified buyers.” And, buyers ought to start the loan process before they start looking for a property because waterfront property loans can take a lot longer than a normal home loan,” Lamm says.
6. Carefully check out the structure and look for deferred maintenance. Waterfront homes receive more abuse from the elements than the average home, so extra measures should be taken to protect them.
7. Insurance can be costly and complicated. Look into this early to make sure you know what you’re getting into. For instance, Tim Beasley of AAA insurance of Redding, CA says waterfront homeowners may have to cover additional perils such as a flood insurance policy and liability policies with higher than normal limits.
8. Find out what you can do with the property. If you want to make any changes to your waterfront property, such as adding a dock, start this process early to ensure that these alterations will be possible. Government agencies are very strict to deal with, and you don’t want to commit to purchasing an expensive home without knowing these limitations. Also find out what kind of activities are allowed on the body of water, as some areas have restrictions on jet skis, speedboats and other watercraft.
9. Talk to neighbors. Get insider information from neighbors by asking if they enjoy living in the community, if they have any issues with the property you’re thinking about purchasing, or if there are any waterfront-related problems.
10. In rural areas look into utilities. Waterfront buyers who are accustomed to the convenience of suburban life may assume that electricity, clean water, an adequate septic system, cable and Internet will be readily available at their new property, but this is not always the case. Bringing these services in to remote areas can be very expensive.
11. Get to know your responsibilities as a waterfront homeowner. If you’re part of a homeowners association, find out what kind of upkeep and maintenance of the property will be required from you by reviewing the conditions, covenants and restrictions also known as CC&Rs.

For more information about Sea Isle City real estate check us out online at www.LandisCo.com . 

Avalon, NJ Holiday Season Roundup ~ Landis Co., Realtors

Santa Claus is coming to town!  The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department has been able to arrange a  visit from Santa Claus to Avalon on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. The Fire Dept. will bring Santa door-to-door on Avalon's fire engines. Visits must be limited to no more than five minutes so he can be sure to go see all the children in town. If you would like Santa to stop by your house, please call 609-967-5914 to sign-up. Each child's name, age and address is required upon calling. Santa is also planning on bringing small gifts for children up to age 9. Santa will try to make all his stops between 6 and 8 p.m. However, he cannot provide an exact times for each visit

Holiday Happenings at 7 Mile Beach December 14 & 15 Holiday Events     The 7 Mile Beach is decking the halls and preparing for some great celebrations. Be sure to visit these venues and celebrate with friends, co-workers and family!    The Smaller, Bigger, Biggest Christmas Party December 14, 7 p.m. Bobby Dee's Rock'n Chair Restaurant 609-967-3300 Everyone is invited to this popular Christmas Party! $25/person include a dinner buffet starting at 7 p.m., drink specials and entertainment by the Rocktologists! Santa's Family Workshop December 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cape May County Zoo 609-465-5271 Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Education Stations, Crafts, Live Animals, and more. Event will be held inside the zoo's Reptile House. 15th Annual Biggest-little Holiday Party December 15, 7 p.m. Golden Inn 609-967-2129 Come one, come all! Join the Golden Inn for the Island's biggest, little holiday party featuring a festive holiday buffet, DJ entertainment, dancing and special lodging rates. $27/person; call to make your reservation.    2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party December 15, 8 p.m. Fred's Tavern 609-368-5591 You know you have one! Participate and compete by wearing your ugliest holiday sweater to Fred's Tavern. Featuring door prizes, drink specials and holiday cocktails. Donations for Toys for Tots accepted at the door.

Member Spotlight Yacht Club of Stone Harbor - Open Year-Round  9001 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, NJ 609-368-1201   Situated on the bay, the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor is home to one of the best sunsets in South Jersey. Members often take advantage of this picturesque scene while having a cocktail on the deck, or dining in one of two bay-front dining rooms.    Throughout the summer, members enjoy a wide range of sailing, power-boating and other sport activities, as well as social and community service events. The Club's Youth Activities Program (YAP) provides seven weeks of sailing instruction and fun for the children of members.    Additionally, the Club is available for weddings and special events. An on-site coordinator will assist in menu planning, décor, vendors and more to ensure your special day is stylish, sophisticated and fun. Visit the Club's facebook page for more great reception and event images.   The Yacht Club of Stone Harbor is open year-round and is currently serving dinner in the dining room on Friday and Saturday evenings for members.      For more information, please visit the Club's website. Click here for a membership application, including information on the Club's Off-Season Dining Membership. Click here for the newly released 2014 Banquet Package.

Ring in the New Year on 7 Mile Beach! New Year's Eve Celebrations through Avalon & Stone Harbor   2013 is only weeks away, and it's time to get down to business on how you're planning to celebrate. Restaurants and bars throughout the 7 Mile Beach are hosting some great dining and dancing options, so be sure to ring in 2013 at one of your favorite island hot spots. Click here for a list of New Year's Eve entertainment/dining options.

Shore Weddings Magazine - Coming Soon! The Guide to Saying I DO from Atlantic City to Cape May   Seven Mile Publishing is happy to announce its newest publication, Shore Weddings Magazine. From Atlantic City to Cape May, New Jersey's shore towns are wedding destinations for thousands of couples every year. From boardwalks to ballrooms, there is distinction to match the style of every bride and groom.    Shore Weddings, to be distributed in February 2013, is a concentrated luxe guide to the who, what, where and how of saying I DO at the Shore.   Did you or someone you know recently have a wedding at the Shore? Shore Weddings Magazine is looking to feature real weddings from Atlantic City to Cape May in our first issue. To submit, or for more information on having your wedding featured, email the magazine by clicking here.

Happy Holidays from Pinterest Whether you're cooking for 20, planning an outing, or thinking of new seashore-inspired decorating ideas, Pinterest is your one-stop shop to great holiday ideas. Follow VisitAvalonNJ for creative postings on holiday decor, recipes, cocktails and more!