Sea Isle City Sold Transactions - 3rd QTR 2012

Sea Isle City, NJ - Sold Market - 3rd Qtr 2012
	No. of Listings	Average Price	Median Price	DOM
RESIDENTIAL
CASH	1	$625,000	$625,000	15
Analysis By Area
Sea Isle City	1	$625,000	$625,000	15
Totals	1	$625,000	$625,000	15
LOTS/LAND
CASH	1	$500,000	$500,000	49
Analysis By Area
Sea Isle City	1	$500,000	$500,000	49
Totals	1	$500,000	$500,000	49
MULTI-FAMILY
CASH	1	$625,000	$625,000	115
Analysis By Area
Sea Isle City	1	$625,000	$625,000	115
Totals	1	$625,000	$625,000	115
CONDO/TOWNHOUSE
CONVENTIONAL	46	$601,754	$587,500	206
CASH	6	$424,500	$365,000	228
Analysis By Area
Sea Isle City	52	$581,302	$575,000	209
Totals	52	$581,302	$575,000	209
Non Co-op Sales	22	$564,841	$563,750	211
Co-op Sales	33	$592,461	$595,000	194
Total Sales	55	$581,413	$580,000	201

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Sea Isle City Harborfest 2012 was a Huge Success

After living in Sea Isle City for so many years, this was my first Harborfest experience. Lots of great food, entertainment, vendors etc. I even enjoyed the blessing of the fleet, and the exciting clam eating contest. I am now looking forward to next weekends Italian Festival. Hope to see you there. {jws}

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Sea Isle City’s Annual Italian Festival and Columbus Day Parade

SEA ISLE CITY – Sea Isle City’s 5th Annual Italian Festival and 22nd Annual Columbus Day Parade will take place on Oct. 6, sponsored by Mayor Leonard Desiderio and his family. Both events will highlight Sea Isle’s rich Italian heritage. However, before the festival and the parade begin, the Sea Isle City Italian-American Club’s Women’s Auxiliary will host a Flea Market in front of their headquarters on JFK Boulevard (adjacent to the Sea Isle Bridge) between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Sea Isle’s 2012 Columbus Day Parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. in front of the Italian American Club on JFK Boulevard with a wide variety of participants, including the Ocean City High School Marching Band, representatives of the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department (including Dodge the Horse and the Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Explorers), fire engines and other rescue vehicles, floats, mascots, representatives from local businesses and organizations, County and Municipal dignitaries, the members of Sea Isle’s 2012 “Italian Royal Family” and others. The parade route will run along JFK Boulevard, then turn right (south) onto Landis Avenue before culminating at 63rd Street, where the City’s Italian Festival will be in full swing at KIX McNutleys.

This year’s Italian Festival will take place between 10:00 a.m. and Dusk, featuring a variety of craft and specialty vendors, live music, cooking demonstrations, and representatives from the Cento Food Corporation, who will offer free gifts. Festival-goers will also enjoy the event’s 2nd Annual Cannoli-Eating Contest and an award ceremony honoring this year’s Italian Royal Family and parade grand marshals.

For more information about Sea Isle City’s 22nd Annual Columbus Day Parade and 5th Annual Italian Festival – or to learn how you can become a vendor at the festival – phone (609) 263-4461, extension 230. To learn more about the Italian American Club’s Flea Market, phone 263-0700.

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Sea Isle City Sand Sculpture on the Beach

There still is time to get to the beach on Sea Isle City ! Just waiting for the week of Indian Summer. See you at the beach soon ! www.LandisCo.com 

Everyone at The Landis Co., Realtors would like to thank all of our clients and customers for a great Summer of 2012. Book your 2013 Sea Isle City vacation rental now.

Jim Sofroney
The Landis Co., Realtors
6000 Landis Avenue
Sea Isle City, NJ 08243

609-263-3400
info@LandisCo.com
www.SeaIsle.net

Sea Isle City's Harborfest Celebration coming soon

Sea Isle City's Harborfest Celebration

SEA ISLE CITY – On Sept. 29, the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization will host their annual Harborfest celebration between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. along Sea Isle’s Marina Park, 42nd Place and the Bay. A lively festival that highlights the many aspects of “life by the sea,” Harborfest will feature delicious seafood, live music by the Daisy Jug Band, a clam-eating contest, nautical displays, a blessing of the fleet by local religious leaders, and a vendors market featuring crafts, fashion apparel and collectibles.

Sea Isle’s business community will once again come together to delight festival-goers during Harborfest. In addition to local eateries that will be selling food and the many other businesses that sponsor the event, Gillian’s Funland Amusement Park (also located in Sea Isle’s Marina Park) will sell discounted ride bracelets for $10 that will allow patrons to enjoy all of the park’s rides between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 29.

To learn more about Sea Isle City’s 2012 Harborfest celebration, phone 609-263-3400.

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The Sea Isle City Real Estate and Vacation Rental Headquarters.

www.SeaIsle.net or www.SeaIsleCityRealEstate.com  

6000 Landis Avenue

Sea Isle City, NJ 08243

609-263-3400

Sea Isle City September/ October Events and Meetings

Sea Isle City September/ October Events and Meetings

--The next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. inside Council Chambers on the second level of the Public Safety Building, 233 JFK Boulevard.
--Sea Isle City’s 2012 Irish Weekend is September 21-23 at JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue, featuring live Irish music and dancing, an Irish Vendor’s Market, food and more (263-3756 or www.lacosta-seaisle.com).
--The 2nd Annual Michael Fisher 5K Run/Walk is Saturday, September 22, 9:30 a.m. at LaCosta Lounge (609-861-3848 or www.michaelfisherfoundation.org).
--September is National Preparedness Month. Cape May County will present a free Emergency Preparedness Conference on Tuesday, September 25th, 10 a.m. to 12 Noon, at the County Administration Building, 4 Moore Road (exit 11 off the Garden State Parkway) in Cape May Court House. This event is open to the public.
--Harborfest, hosted by the SIC Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization, will take place on Saturday, September 29, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a variety of family activities (263-9090 or www.seaislechamber.com).
--The 2012 Baby Boomers Rock-n-Roll Revival Fundraiser with Jerry Blavat will take place at LaCosta Lounge on Saturday, September 29, at 8:30 p.m. (263-3756 or www.lacosta-seaisle.com).
--Sea Isle’s 2012 Italian Festival, hosted by the Desiderio family, is set for Saturday, October 6, 10:00 a.m. to Dusk, at KIX-McNutley’s on 63rd Street, featuring vendors, live music, great food, a cooking demonstration, a canolli eating contest and more (263-4461, ext. 230 or www.kixmcnutleys.com).
--Sea Isle’s 2012 Columbus Day Parade will take place on Saturday, October 6, at 2:00 p.m.  The parade will begin on JFK Boulevard near the Sea Isle Bridge, turn right (south) onto Landis Avenue and end at 63rd Street, where the 2012 Italian Festival will be in full-swing (263-4461, ext. 230 or www.kixmcnutleys.com).
--The Philadelphia Firefighters Memorial 5K Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, October 7, at 10:00 a.m. on the Promenade at JFK Boulevard. This event is held in remembrance of the firefighters who died during the 1975 Gulf Oil Refinery fire in South Philadelphia (www.iaff22.org).
--Sea Isle’s Autumn Beach Clean-Up and Dune Grass Planting will take place on Saturday, October 13, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, hosted by the SIC Environmental Commission.  Families, individuals, groups, clubs, and businesses are asked to volunteer for this important event. No pre-registration is required, simply sign-in on October 13 at JFK and the Promenade. Rain date: October 14 (263-2081).
--An Autumn Card Party & Luncheon will be hosted by the Catholic Daughters of Saint Joseph Church on Friday, October 19, 12 noon to 3:00 p.m., inside the parish auditorium. Participants can enjoy a variety of card and board games during this fundraiser. For tickets, phone 609-486-6166 or 609-861-0865.
--Sea Isle’s 2012 Halloween Parade is set for Friday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m. along Landis Avenue, 46th to 40th Street. Afterwards, a free Halloween Family Dance Party will take place at the Excursion Park Band Shell. Rain date: October 21, 11:30 a.m. (263-0050 or www.seaislecitynj.us).
--An ESA Surfing Competition will be held on the 40th Street Beach on Saturday, October 20, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “No Surf” date: October 27 (http://snj.surfesa.org).
--The Bishop McHugh Dare to Dash 5K Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, October 20 at 9:00 a.m., JFK Boulevard and the Promenade.  Rain date: October 21, 11:30 a.m. (www.bishopmchugh.com).
--An Octoberfest celebration, hosted by the SIC Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization, will take place at Excursion Park on Saturday, October 20, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring a pie-baking contest, music and plenty of family fun (263-9090).
--The T.I.Civic Center will host their annual Halloween Show and Costume Contest on Saturday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m. (263-3002 or www.senaworld.org).
--The 2012 Jersey Shore Striper Tournament is November 9-11. Sponsored by Mike’s Seafood, this event raises funds for children with Autism (609-778-8418 or jerseyshorestriper@comcast.net) .
--A Senior Seminar titled “Using Personal Networks to Reduce Stress” will be offered to Sea Isle City residents on Thursday, October 25, at 11:30 a.m. inside the Community Lodge, JFK Boulevard and Park Road.  This event, presented by the Sea Isle City Municipal Alliance Committee and hosted by Cape Assist, will include a complimentary lunch buffet.  Pre-registration is required; phone 263-0050 by October 19, 2012.
--Sea Isle’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at Veterans Park on Sunday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m.  The public is invited to attend as we honor America’s veterans from the past and present (263-4461, ext.245 or mayorlen@seaislecitynj.us).
-- Personalized Bricks for the Sea Isle City Historical Museum’s Memorial Garden are available for $200 each. Bricks are a great way to remember someone you love (609-624-7929).
--Dogs are not permitted on Sea Isle City’s beaches or promenade during the summer months. Dogs will be permitted on the beach once again on September 30. As always, dogs must be on a leash, and owners must curb and clean-up after their pets.
--Sea Isle City now offers online view and payment options for municipal property tax bills and water/sewer utility bills (visit www.seaislecitynj.us and click on the "Tax & Utility Payment Center" icon at the bottom of the homepage). You can mail-in a payment as always, or pay online through your checking account, credit card or debit card. Please Note: Online viewing is free; however a convenience charge will be applied if you pay your bills online.
--The City of Sea Isle City will gladly arrange a Welcome Home Ceremony for any members of the United States military as they return to town. To arrange a “Hero’s Welcome” for your favorite Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, National Guard or Coast Guard service member, phone Mayor Desiderio’s Office (263-4461, ext. 245) or Commander Chick Haines at VFW Post 1963 (263-1711). You can also find a “Welcome Home Ceremony” application online at www.seaislecitynj.us (via the “Quick Links” and “Downloadable Forms” tabs).
--You can properly dispose of American flags by placing them in the flag collection bin in front of VFW Post 1963 on JFK Boulevard. Please be certain to properly care for all America flags no matter what size!
--Volunteers are needed to help run the SOS Crooked Tail Thrift Shop, 4208 Landis Avenue, between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily -- or any hours you can help (609-972-5887 or visit www.seaislecats.org).
--Beach Wheelchairs can be borrowed from the Sea Isle City Public Works Department between Labor Day and Memorial Day (263-6000). 

Brought to you by The Landis Co., Realtors: The Sea Isle City Vacation Rental HQ's

www.LandisCo.com 

6000 Landis Avenue
Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
609-263-3400 

NEW SEA ISLE CITY WELCOME CENTER

VISIT THE NEW SEA ISLE CITY WELCOME CENTER:

Sea Isle City’s new Welcome Center, located on JFK Boulevard at the foot of the Sea Isle Bridge, is now open.  In addition to being “the place” to get information about local events and happenings, the Welcome Center is also the home of Sea Isle’s Tourism Department and Beach Tag Office.  Plus, it’s where you can speak with representatives from the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization.

The Welcome Center is open 7 days a week through September and 6 days a week through October (closed Sundays in October). The center will be open twelve months a year; winter hours soon to be posted. 

Brought to you by The Landis Co., Realtors

Sea Isle City Vacation Real Estate & Rental Headquarters
www.LandisCo.com

6000 Landis Avenue
Sea isle City, NJ 08243
(609) 263-3400

Sea Isle City Winter Trash Schedule

Sea Isle City Winter Trash Schedule:

On September 10, 2012 Sea Isle City returned to the Winter Trash and Recycling Schedule.  Each street now has one curbside collection per week…

1st to 44th Street = Wednesdays
45th to 70th Street = Mondays
71st to 94th Street = Tuesdays

Curbside Bulk Trash collections will take place on the 1st Thursday of each month from 1st to 44th Street, on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 45th to 70th Street, and on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 71st to 94th Street.

More information about Sea Isle City’s Trash and Recycling, phone 263-6000, ext. 9. 

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CAPE MAY COUNTY FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE

CAPE MAY COUNTY FLU CLINICS:

The Cape May County Department of Health will be offering many types of flu shot clinics this year; and several clinic dates are already set.  To stay up-to-date on all of the County’s flu clinics, check the county’s website, www.capemaycountygov.net, visit www.cmchealth.net or call the flu hotline at 463-6581.

In September, the Department of Health will focus on special senior clinics for residents 65 years and older. The high-dose flu vaccine, standard-dose flu vaccine, and the pneumonia vaccine will be offered at these clinics. The high-dose vaccine is a flu vaccine licensed only for seniors. It is available for persons who have the following insurance as their primary payer: Medicare Part B, Aetna, CIGNA, Coventry, Humana, Medicare Railroad, United Healthcare, and United Mine Workers of America.

 
The standard-dose flu vaccine is available at no charge, regardless of insurance coverage, but if you have one of the covered insurances mentioned above, your insurance will be billed for the cost of the vaccine. The pneumonia vaccine is available for $15 (cash or check).
 
Please bring your Medicare cards and supplemental insurance cards to the clinic. Consent forms for the senior clinics are only available onsite. Senior clinics are now scheduled on the following dates and locations:
 
Senior Flu Clinics: 
September 25, 10 to 12 p.m. at the Upper Township Community Center, 1790 Rte 50, Tuckahoe       
September 27, 9:30 to 12 p.m., at the Ocean City Senior Center, 1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City     
October 18, 10 to 12 p.m., at the County Department of Health, 6 Moore Road (bldg #17), CMCH

Save the Date! The Department of Health will hold its popular free drive-through flu clinic for residents 14 years and older on Sunday, October 14th from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kindle Ford Autoplaza.
 
For all County flu clinics: If you have a severe allergy to eggs, other vaccine components or if you have been told by a doctor that you have had Guillain-Barré syndrome, you need to receive the flu vaccine from your personal physician. Also, if you have a severe allergy to Thimerosal, you can receive the vaccine from the Department of Health but not at the drive-through clinic.

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609-263-3400 office Daily 9am to 5pm except Sunday 10am to 4pm

SEA ISLE CITY TOWN UPDATES - September 2012

SEA ISLE CITY PROJECT UPDATES:

With the prime summer season now behind us, the City’s project activity has intensified.  We will have many projects ongoing this coming fall, winter and spring, in order to once again improve and beautify the City.  These include the complete reconstruction and improvement of JFK Boulevard, streetscape improvements to Landis Avenue from 39th to 43rd Street, replacement of the skate park at Dealy Field with a new state of the art concrete facility, replacement of deteriorated bulkheads, new railing for the southern end of the promenade, multiple utility and road paving projects, resumption of the lagoon dredging project, and additional improvements throughout the City in continuation of one of our core missions – to maintain and improve our public assets and infrastructure.


Construction of Welcome Center Addition to the Community Lodge and Renovations of the Existing Lodge Facility and Site – The Welcome Center addition has been completed and was opened to the public on September 15, 2012.  The Community Lodge remains open and all activities continue as scheduled.  On the surrounding site, City forces have completed the paver plaza fronting the Fisherman’s Memorial wall.  When finally completed, the area will include lighting and bench seating.  Landscaping and sidewalk reconstruction will be performed by Public Works forces on the 42nd Street side prior to next season.

Lagoon Dredging - The current status of the project is as follows:

*The contractor, Wickberg Marine Contracting of Belford, NJ, has completed dredging the western end of Rio Grande Lagoon and a portion of Rio Del Isole (along Venicean); as well as work around the Yacht Club.

*The dredging plant has returned to the City, and is currently working to complete dredging in Rio Grande lagoon.

The lagoons to be dredged are as follows:
Rio Grande (south side of 47th Place)
Rio Delle Stelle (between 46th and 47th Place)
Rio Delle Luna (between 45th and 46th Place)  
Rio Del Amore (between 44th Street and 45th Place)
Rio Delle Isole (along Venicean Road)
Rio Del Barche (between 43rd Place and 44th Street)
Rio Del Affare (between 42nd and 43rd Place)
Rio Delle Ponte (along Park Road on either side of 43rd Place)

The project provides for the ability of private property owners adjacent to the project area to enter into an agreement with the dredging contractor to dredge their private slips (at the private owner’s expense).  In conjunction with the City project, properties at the above locations do have the required permits to perform private slip dredging.

As part of this project, consistent with the commitment to afford the opportunity to private property owners to have their slips dredged (at their own expense), the City continues to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to obtain permits for previously identified areas of need, including the western side of Venicean Road (along the intracoastal waterway) and along Sounds Avenue in the area of 38th Street.  Permits for these areas are expected to be obtained this fall, which will still allow time for these property owners to come to agreement with the dredging contractor to have their slips dredged prior to completion of the overall project. Please see photos below of the dredging project in Rio Grande canal, taken September 20...

Sewer and Road Reconstruction on Central Avenue (49th to 69th Street) - The project has been contracted to the firm of Lewandowski Construction Industries, Inc., of Waterford, NJ.  The contractor has resumed construction operations following the summer hiatus, and is currently working from 63rd toward 69th Street.  Utility work was previously completed from 63rd to 55th Street, and the road surface was temporarily restored to allow for vehicular travel over the summer.  The remainder of phase one (to 49th Street) along with phase two (from 63rd to 69th Street) will be completed this fall and winter; after which the entire roadway will be resurfaced (in the spring).  The project will provide for an upgraded sewer system and new road surface for the entire one mile stretch of roadway.  This section of sewer has been problematic for years, with continuous maintenance issues; and this project will not only provide for appropriate sewage infrastructure, it will assist in decreasing the amount of ground water sent to the county sewage treatment plant, thus saving in unnecessary costs associated with the treatment of “infiltration” water. Please see photos below of Central Avenue between 63rd and 64th Street, taken earlier this week...

 

Utility Reconstruction on Landis Avenue (54th to 69th Street) – The project has been contracted to F.W.Shawl & Sons of Marmora, NJ, and will provide for water and sewer line replacement in advance of the County project to resurface Landis Avenue from 54th to 69th Street.  To date, the contractor has installed hydrant services, water main extensions out of several intersections, and new water services to adjacent properties.  The contractor has remobilized his operations following the summer hiatus and has completed water service installations between 54th and 55th Street; and will proceed southward on Landis with sewer and water services over the next several weeks.  The County is scheduled to resurface Landis Avenue from 54th to 69th Street in the spring of 2013. Please see photos below of Landis Avenue, taken earlier this week...

Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) Remediation – The firm of Video Pipe Services, Inc. of Newfield, NJ, has substantially completed the major re-lining and repairs, but must complete some corrective work to internal repairs to finalize their contractual obligations.  Some of this work will require excavation of the road surface.  The contractor has resumed construction operations, following the summer hiatus, and is now working on 72nd Street (between Landis and Pleasure), after which they’ll move to 32nd Street (between Landis and Central).  The need for this project was identified over the past several years through a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the City’s sewer system.  Sewer systems are prone to both inflow (overland water entering the sewer system through manhole covers and other surface openings in the system) and infiltration (entry of groundwater into pipelines through cracks, deteriorated pipe, and pipe joints).  The effects of I & I are symptoms of deterioration of the sewer system that must be corrected to avoid more problematic maintenance issues and potential failure of the sewer system.  I & I is also costly, in that the City must pay for the unnecessary treatment of water that enters the sanitary sewer system.  This is the first phase of a multi-year citywide sewer maintenance and improvement project that will ensure the continued viability of the City’s vital sewer infrastructure.  The next phase of I & I work will involve replacement of sewer lines that cannot be substantially corrected through internal, “no-dig” repairs, as are being performed in this phase.  As those projects are engineered and prepared for bidding and construction, we will provide updates on the specific details of the projects.  

Utility Reconstruction, Various Streets - The project includes replacement of deteriorated underground utilities (water and sewer) in several streets, as part of the City’s comprehensive road and utility program.  The project is being performed by Garden State General Construction, Inc., of Rio Grande, NJ.  Following utility work, the streets will receive new surface paving.  The following streets are included in this project:
1.    42nd Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
2.    48th Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
3.    50th Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade                      
4.    51st Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade                       
5.    60th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue   
6.    43rd Place street end with guide rail barrier        
7.    79th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue   
8.    60th Street, Landis Avenue to Beach End     
The contractor is currently working at the 48th and 50th Street locations.              

JFK Boulevard Reconstruction, from Bridge to Landis Avenue – The County worked with the City to design this project to reconstruct and reconfigure JFK Boulevard from the bridge to Landis Avenue.  The project limits also include reconstruction of Landis Avenue from JFK Boulevard to 40th Street.  The project scope includes the addition of widened sidewalks, decorative lighting, streetscape improvements and landscaping, a new traffic light at JFK Boulevard and Park Road, drainage improvements, and elevation of the road surface which will assist during times of flooding.  The project involves federal funding, and the next step is for the County to obtain authorization from federal and state agencies to proceed to bidding.  The county expects to receive the necessary authorization this month in order to award a contract for a fall 2012 construction start.  In this event, construction will take place between October 2012 and May 2013.

Water Well and Well House Construction at 50th Street – Last week, the City received 11 bids for construction of a new water supply well and well house to replace the inactive, obsolete facility on 50th street (between Landis and Central Avenue).  The apparent low bidder was B&H Contracting, Inc., of Folsom, NJ, in the amount of $1,363,000.  The pre-construction meeting for the project will be held on October 4th, at which time the details on construction procedures and schedule will be discussed.  Ultimately, the project will provide for the capability to deliver approximately one million gallons of water each day to City residents, and will help to ensure the viability of our critical water infrastructure now and into the future.  A portion of the work will require around the clock operations (during well drilling, which will extend to a depth of over 800 feet).  The surrounding residents will be notified regarding these operations, and the City will take measures to minimize any inconveniences.  The project is expected to be completed prior to the summer 2013 season.    

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6000 Landis Avenue

Sea Isle City, NJ 08243

609-263-3400

Wildwood motel owners unhappy with tax advantages given to rental condominiums

Posted: Sunday, September 16, 2012 1:00 am | Updated: 7:00 am, Sun Sep 16, 2012.

By TRUDI GILFILLIAN, Staff Writer

Steve Tecco, owner of the Armada Motel in Wildwood Crest, knows that when it comes to keeping his inn fully occupied, he’s competing against 190 other motels and hotels on the island, as well as hundreds of condominiums.

Tecco accepts the competition from other motels but says he is at a significant disadvantage against the condominiums, which are privately owned and not subject to charging a combined 14 percent tax. The condos, as a result, can offer customers a lower price on their stays.

Steve Tecco, owner of the Armada Motel on Ocean Ave. in Wildwood Crest, believes rentals on condo units should pay the same sales taxes as motel units.

“That’s a real marketing advantage,” said Tecco, president of the Greater Wildwood Hotel and Motel Association. “Our members have definitely lost people to the condos.”

The island’s lodging landscape has changed dramatically over decades, as numerous hotels and motels have been razed and replaced by condominiums. Many of the condos are privately owned but are rented out by their owners to vacationers. Those rentals come without the combined 14 percent tax that hotels and motels must charge, thus creating friction between the two groups.

Motels and hotels on the island, with about 8,000 rooms total, must charge a 7 percent state sales tax, a 2 percent county tourism tax, a 1.85 percent local tourism assessment and a 3.15 percent state room occupancy tax. Combined, it equals 14 percent.

Statewide, hotels and motels must pay a 7 percent sales tax and a 5 percent occupancy fee. Atlantic City, Newark, Jersey City, Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest are prohibited from charging that 5 percent occupancy tax because they already impose a local hotel occupancy tax.

The state occupancy tax generated $72.8 million for New Jersey in 2010, according to the state Division of Taxation’s annual report for that year, the latest available.

The Division of Taxation, however, does not require those same taxes to be paid by “facilities other than hotels,” which under the latest state regulations includes furnished or unfurnished private residential properties, including condominiums, bungalows, single-family homes and similar living units, where no maid service, room service, linen service or other common hotel services are available. Those properties can provide linens, but not change them, to maintain their nontaxable status.

“The state is basically subsidizing them,” said Bruce Smith, owner of the Tangiers Motel in Wildwood Crest.

In a 2008 lawsuit, the hotel and motel association estimated New Jersey could collect an estimated $345 million if the condominium rentals across the state paid similar taxes and argued that the state tax court should require the Division of Taxation to impose the same room taxes across the board to all types of transient rentals of less than 90 days.

The court did not agree. A state tax court judge and an Appellate Division panel found the court could not force the state to impose the tax on others but encouraged the state to revise its rules.

Attorney Frank Corrado, who represented the group, said the state’s rules leave too much to the discretion of the Division of Taxation and that the statutes on what is a motel and what’s not have never been clarified.

The hotel and motel association argues that the length of stay, not the services provided, should determine who is subject to any state tax.

Jarrod Grasso, CEO of the New Jersey Association of Realtors, said that while private condominium owners aren’t paying room or sales taxes, owners of so-called “condotels,” or condominiums that openly operate as hotels, are paying their share of taxes. The association, however, opposes any move to have private rentals pay the hotel/motel tax.

“We want to promote tourism and not create a deterrent for visitors,” Grasso said.

Grasso said condotels — which often give additional services to customers, such as providing linens and maid service — are now paying the 7 percent sales tax because they provide a level of service that private rentals do not. The tax charge began this year by order of the director of the Division of Taxation.

Grasso said it was a smart decision to institute the 7 percent sales tax, thus reducing the discrepancy between room prices at condotels and those at motels. Previously, the condotels were not subject to any tax.

“I would hope the Wildwoods would see that,” said Grasso, adding that levying additional taxes on the condotels isn’t wise.

In a June 2007 analysis by Global Insight, the company produced a report that looked at how seasonal rentals, including condos and summer homes, contribute to local economies and the impact of extending the state sales tax to seasonal rentals.

According to the survey, which was prepared for the Realtors association, the state had 109,075 total seasonal rental units, nearly 70 percent of which are in Cape May and Ocean counties, and the seasonal rental industry generates $7.4 billion for New Jersey’s economy.

The survey at the time found average seasonal weekly rental rates for condos and motels were $2,767 and $1,902 in Cape May and Ocean counties, respectively.

The survey estimated that imposing only the state’s 7 percent sales tax would have varying degrees of impact, but imposing additional occupancy taxes on renters would affect visitor spending in other areas such as food, transportation, shopping and entertainment.

Grasso said that instead of imposing state taxes on private rentals, the availability of those rentals gives visitors another reason to go to places such as the Wildwoods.

State Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, said he agrees with the Wildwoods motel and hotel owners. However, rather than see the state taxes imposed on private rentals, Van Drew said his goal is to change the law entirely.

“The answer is to reduce this room tax,” Van Drew said. “It puts the entire state at a disadvantage.”

Motels in places such as Ocean City, Md., for instance, charge a 10.5 percent room tax. Motels in Lancaster, Pa., charge an 11 percent room tax, and motels in Rehoboth Beach, Del., charge an 8 percent room tax.

Corrado said the hotel and motel owners in the Wildwoods can either lobby their legislators, as they have done over the years, or lobby the Division of Taxation to change its rules.

In the meantime, Smith said he still gets the occasional visit from former guests, now renting at nearby condominiums, asking whether they can use his pool.

“We very politely say no,” Smith said.