Jersey Shore beaches open in time for Memorial Day weekend? (That’s a week from today, by the way.) That means you need a beach badge. How much are they and where can you get them? Local beach badge purchases went mobile, making it even easier to obtain your tags. And 1031 exchanges receive a welcome deadline extension. So much news! Let’s dive right in.
Jersey Shore Beaches
Just a couple of weeks ago, we wondered whether our Jersey Shore beaches would open up for Memorial Day weekend. If so, what restrictions might officials put in place to keep the public’s health in mind? Yesterday, Governor Murphy answered those questions. He officially opened the beaches up for next weekend…but with restrictions. In-house dining at restaurants remains closed. However, curbside pick-up and delivery may continue. Governor Murphy also said that he leaves the limitation of the number of beachgoers to the discretion of the leaders of each city. To find out what the leaders of each community decided, please click on your city of interest below before you head out to the beach. Check back often because this information could change at any time.
Margate City Official Website
Ventnor City Official Website
Longport Official Website
Social distancing must continue if we want to continue to flatten the curve. That means at least six feet between you and others not living with you, even on the beaches. Contact sports, arcades, amusement rides, playgrounds, visitor centers, waterfront fountains, and organized events (like concerts, fireworks, summer camps, etc) are prohibited at this time. However, that may change as COVID-19 data changes. If the curve continues to flatten, more areas will open back up in the next few weeks. On the flip side, if the number of cases increases dramatically, we may see even stricter measures put in place.
Governor Murphy also announced that public restrooms, shower pavilions, and changing areas at the beach and parks will also open up. The hours may change to allow for proper cleaning and sanitation. He asks the public to be patient as each of the Jersey Shore beaches determines how to get this done. He also highly recommended bringing your masks with you when visiting the beaches for when you do things that require you to be closer to others, such as “waiting in line for a slice of boardwalk pizza”.
Beach Badges
To enter any Jersey Shore beach, you must obtain a beach badge first. Luckily, one badge is good for both Margate and Ventnor beaches. They cost $7 per person aged 12 or older. Seniors pay just $3.50. Beginning today (March 15th), you may purchase them at Ventnor City Hall (9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday), at the Martin Bloom Pavilion in Margate (10 am to 3 pm every day, including weekends), or through the Viply app. If you purchase through Viply before May 31st, receive a 50% discount. Badges can then be picked up at the Ventnor City Hall. Longport also went mobile this year with its Viply app. But they offer a 50% discount on their badges as long as you purchase it by June 19th. Longport badges may be picked up at the Longport Beach Municipal Building after purchase. In Longport, kids ages 11 and under don’t need a badge.
1031 Exchange Deadline Extended
Were you in the process of a 1031 exchange when the state started shutting down due to COVID-19 concerns? Apprehensive about not meeting the deadlines in place (45 days for identification, 180 day exchange period)? Stop worrying. Any 1031 exchange due between April 1st and July 15th, 2020 automatically gets extended to a July 15th due date. However, you must have begun transfer no later than April 1st to qualify for the extension. If you sold the relinquished property after April 1st, you do not qualify for the extension. The deadline extension announcement confused many who heard it due to its ambiguous nature. If you have any questions or want clarification, you should talk to your tax preparer or legal advisor.
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate