Bay Head & Mantoloking Today – January 2019 (Over the Frozen Bay, Bay Head Water Main, Market)

Happy New Year, and hopefully, it is warmer wherever you are than it is here right now!  Sunday night’s low was 12, and Monday’s night’s was around 9 degrees!  And the wind, as you’ll see in the video, is hard to believe!  There is ice on Twilight Lake, and spray is freezing on the rocks and docks along the bay, as well as along the ocean beaches.  On a recent morning, there was sea smoke over the ocean.  In late December, New Jersey joined a federal lawsuit (along with 9 other states) to help block offshore drilling. In other news, Jenks recently purchased Risdens in Point Pleasant Beach, meaning that they own the majority of the beach and boardwalk in that town.  Last, but certainly not least, Congress did reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program through May 31, 2019.  Happily, this took place before the government shutdown!

The video below includes scenes from January thus far, including sea smoke on the ocean, and a flight over the frozen bay.  A longer version can be found here.

Around the Towns

Though cold outside, all is well in Bay Head and Mantoloking.  In Mantoloking, it is hoped that the new borough hall will be operational in February, and some town meetings are already scheduled to take place there (though locations are subject to change).  There are also reports of “sink holes” along the dune line from Lyman Street, north to the town border.  These are caused by sand that is settling along the rock revetment there.  It is probably best to avoid the dune in that area.  In Bay Head, water main work has started near the intersection of Metcalf and Club – a new main will be put in place from Public Works on Park Avenue, down Club, and along Metcalf.  According to Perna Finnigan, one of the contractors, a six inch main is being replaced with an eight inch main, which should result in better water pressures for those who live along these streets.  The work is expected to take a number of months, but per the contractor, the work should cause minimal disruption to residents.  Affected residents will be contacted when it comes time to connect them to the new main.  Beach replenishment work is expected to begin in Bay Head this spring, but the Army Corps website does not currently have a specific schedule posted.

“Sand placement operations to take place this Spring. A refined schedule estimate will be posted in coming weeks. Additional work on dune crossovers, sand fencing and dune grass planting will take place after sand placement operations.” – Army Corps – Philadelphia District

Meetings

In Bay Head, the next Council Meeting is at 7:00PM on February 11th (Ed’s birthday!).  Mantoloking’s next Council Meetings are on February 12th (agenda setting meeting), and February 19th (regular meeting) at 5:30PM. If all goes well, they will take place at the new borough hall.  Mantoloking’s borough offices will be closed for President’s Day on February 18th, and presumably Bay Head’s will be too.

All dates (and locations) are subject to change, and the latest information is usually posted on the respective website. More town meetings and events can be found on the town calendars: Bay Head | Mantoloking

Market

There are a number of homes under contract in Bay Head and Mantoloking, and a sprinkling of new listings.  Typically, more homes will come on the market as we get further from the holidays, and hopefully, the weather improves.  Our first listing of 2019 is at 203 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant, and consists of two single family homes on one lot, both with a strong rental history.  This property will make a good investment for someone, or provide rental income for a family who wants to live there.

As always, all of our current listings can be found on our website.

Additional details about the current market in both towns can be found below.  If you have questions about your property, or another neighborhood, please ask.

In Bay Head, there are currently 20 homes and parcels of land on the market, (up from last month’s total of 16) and 2 properties under contract. In the last 30 days, there have been 2 closings in Bay Head.

In Mantoloking, there are currently 24 homes and parcels of land on the market (equal to last month’s total), and 3 properties under contract. In the last 30 days, there have been 2 closings in Mantoloking.

We welcome your comments, suggests for topics, and other feedback.  We also would be happy to meet with you at your convenience if there is anything that you would like to discuss.  In addition, if anyone you know is talking about selling or buying, please keep us in mind.

Be well, be safe, and stay warm!

Thank you,

Ed and Suzie

All statistics are per the Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 1/23/2019.