LBI in January is a ghost town to some, but for those of us who live here or keep a house on the island, the "off-season" is where the real drama happens. Honestly, while the summer tourists think the biggest news is a new ice cream shop opening, the locals are currently staring down massive beach erosion and the sudden, surprising collapse of major offshore wind projects.
If you haven’t walked the shoreline in Surf City or Brant Beach lately, you're in for a shock. The beach looks like it’s been through a blender.
The Battle of the Bulge (or Lack Thereof)
Beach replenishment is the phrase on everyone’s lips right now. After three named hurricanes and a brutal nor'easter pounded the coast over the last few months, Surf City is officially sounding the alarm. They are pressing for a state emergency declaration because the dunes aren't just "a little low"—they’re disappearing.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has been busy. They recently awarded a $54.4 million contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company. The goal? Moving 1.75 million cubic yards of sand to prop up Harvey Cedars, Beach Haven, and Long Beach Township.
It’s a massive undertaking.
You’ve got barges offshore pumping slurry through miles of pipe, covering maybe 200 feet of shoreline a day. If you see yellow tape and heavy machinery near Block 55 in Loveladies, that’s why. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s basically a temporary band-aid against an angry Atlantic.
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Why the Wind Turbines Suddenly Vanished
For years, the "Save LBI" signs were as common as seagulls. Well, the protesters basically won—at least for now.
In a series of moves that caught some by surprise and relieved others, the major offshore wind projects have been dismantled. Leading Light Wind officially pulled the plug on their project 40 miles out. They cited the same stuff everyone is struggling with: rising costs, supply chain nightmares, and a regulatory environment that feels like moving through molasses.
Then you have Atlantic Shores. That was the big one. They were planning nearly 200 turbines, some as close as nine miles from the beach. But following a permit freeze from the federal government and a major court ruling in March 2025, that project has been "sunk," according to Bob Stern of Save LBI.
It's a weird vibe on the island regarding this. Some people are celebrating because they won’t have to look at blinking lights on the horizon. Others are worried about what this means for New Jersey’s clean energy goals.
Basically, the ocean view is staying exactly as it is for the foreseeable future.
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Changes in the Neighborhood: Demolitions and New Faces
If you drive through the middle of the island, you’ll notice a huge hole where the LBI School used to be. The demolition of that building marks the end of nearly a century of history. It’s kinda heartbreaking for the families who grew up there, but the site is moving toward its next chapter.
Business-wise, things are shifting too:
- Agnello’s Market in Barnegat Light closed its doors, though they are still running the Harvey Cedars and Manahawkin spots.
- Cheesesteak Louie’s from Seaside is making moves, finding a second home in Tuckerton just across the causeway.
- The LBI Museum is celebrating its 50th year with a "History Happens Here" speaker series—perfect for those long, cold Tuesday nights.
The Real Estate Reality Check
Is the market cooling off? Sorta, but not really.
The median list price for new homes hitting the market this month in Long Beach Township is a staggering $2.1 million. We’re seeing a lot of high-end new construction—modern, flood-compliant builds that look more like glass boxes than the old saltbox cottages of the 70s.
Interestingly, there’s still competition. A property in Surf City on North 10th recently closed for 6% over the asking price. Even in the dead of winter, if a house is turnkey and has the right elevation, people are fighting for it.
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What’s Next for the Island?
If you’re heading down this month, keep an eye on the calendar. The Super Plunge is set for February 8th in Brant Beach. It’s the 22nd year they’ve done it, and it all goes to the St. Francis Center. Taking a dip in the ocean in February sounds like a special kind of madness, but it’s the kind of community spirit that keeps LBI from feeling like a museum.
Also, be prepared for roadwork. With the new federal funding and local grants, expect detours as towns try to elevate streets before the summer rush.
Your LBI Action Plan:
- Check the Tide Tables: If you're walking the beach, go at low tide. In many spots, the high tide is now hitting the base of the dunes due to the recent erosion.
- Support Local: Several Barnegat Light and Beach Haven eateries stay open on weekends; check their Instagrams before you drive down.
- Stay Informed on FEMA: There are ongoing discussions about federal cuts to FEMA. If you own property here, keeping an eye on flood insurance subsidies is more important now than it was five years ago.
The island is quiet right now, but between the dredging pipes and the real estate shifts, it’s far from stagnant.