Offshore Drilling, Beach Replenishment, the Market, and more…

We hope that you enjoyed the holiday weekend!  All is well and busy here in Bay Head and Mantoloking.

According to Bob Mainberger, Mantoloking’s engineer, replenishment has been completed in approximately half of the borough’s length.  Currently, work continues near 1117 Ocean Avenue, progressing north towards 1071 Ocean, with completion expected in the next 30 days.  The “cutter head” dredge RS Weeks, which has been in place for months, was recently replaced by the “suction hopper” dredge RN Weeks.  In the coming weeks and months, it will be assisted by the dredges Magdalen and Lindholm.  Bob reports that so far, over 1,230,000 cubic yards of sand have been placed on the beach in Mantoloking (compared to about 400,000 cubic yards of sand recovered from the town and bay after Sandy).  The next section of replenishment work in Mantoloking is expected to start sometime in June – work will likely commence between Lyman Street and Stephens place, progressing south, and then north towards Bay Head.  As you know, these schedules are subject to change, due to weather, mechanical issues, and other surprises! The full schedule  (as of February 21st) can be found here. Answers to common questions (such as how long will my beach be affected) can be found here.

A gallery of aerial views of the work area from the last two weeks can be seen here.

Offshore Drilling

Clean Ocean Action reports that in early January 2018 a federal plan was announced that would allow offshore drilling in the Atlantic from Maine to Florida.  This is a dramatic departure from past policy!  Drilling equipment could be allowed as close as three miles off the beach.  Pollution and other hazards from this activity could make our beaches and waters (including the bay) much less attractive, to say the least.  Public comments are being accepted through March 9th.  Clean Ocean Action has provided a sample public comment form and also a fact sheet.  Additional details can be found on their website.

Flood Maps

We continue to monitor the status of the existing and preliminary flood maps, and at the moment, have no new information to share.   Ed recently completed a FEMA course on Flood Mapping, called “FEMA Mapping Changes.” It provided a variety of information about the mapping process, and the flood insurance process.  If you have questions about elevation, flood insurance, or related topics, please ask, and we will get the answers for you.

Market

Currently there are 38 homes and 11 parcels of land on the market in Bay Head and Mantoloking combined.  A breakdown and links can be found in the table below. We are happy to share the news that our bayfront listing at 213 Channel Lane recently went under contract.  It is one of the few examples of bayfront activity in the recent past. In case you or someone you know might be interested, our other listings can be found here.   Our listing at 1524 Ocean Avenue, Mantoloking will soon be on the market at an asking price of $1,639,900.  Please contact us if you would like details.

Per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 2/20/18

Something for a rainy day…

Lovelandtown Grocery (at the former location of Bay Point Market) recently opened, and appears to be off to a good start – they offer a wide variety of prepared foods and groceries.  I met one of the owners last week, and he seems excited about the welcome that they have received so far.  They will also be donating excess bread and food to St. Gregory’s Food Pantry for distribution.  We continue to hear rumors about will become of the old Central Market location – perhaps a combination cafe/market – and hope that they will be open by summer!  If you enjoy local beer, you may also want to visit Last Wave Brewery in Point Pleasant Beach – check their website for hours.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Feb 21 – Bay Head Planning Board – 7:30PM, Mantoloking Planning Board – 6:30PM

March 1 – Mantoloking Planning Board – 6:30PM

Mar 5 – Bay Head Council Meeting – 7:00PM

March 13 – Bay Head Environmental Commission Meeting – 5:30PM

As always, if you have questions about your property, a property that you are interested in, or a topic or question not covered here, please let us know.  Feel free to call or email, or let us know, and we can set up a video conference or screen sharing session.

Thank you, be well, and keep in touch!