In this issue of "Doug Talks..."
Welcome to Sunset Terrace on Lake Hopatcong
Raccoon Island is a 50 acre island on Lake Hopatcong (the biggest lake in NJ), located in Jefferson Twp, Morris County. The island has approximately 70 primarily lakefront seasonal homes and is only accessible by a private ferry that runs in the warmer months. In the late 19th century, the island was a summer tourist destination for New York City residents and only a few of the original bungalow homes still stand.
Ashley Grace Builders has contracted our 2nd home re-build on the island (see picture above of cleared lot). Building an island home can have it's challenges. Large machinery and building supplies must be brought by ferry or barge as well as crews, contractors & inspectors must all make their way by boat or ferry to the building site. Another challenge is building within a designated (protected area) close to a body of water, known as the NJ Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (2004). Any new build within this designated area must meet regulations that protect from overdevelopment and affects on the environment, specifically protecting natural resources for drinking water. Things considered in this act are retaining mature trees as strong root systems are needed to secure the ground and measurable ratios of impervious surfaces (like a driveway, sidewalks, buildings, etc), so that stormwater runoff is properly managed.
We reuse/recycle as much as possible in builds of this type. An existing older home was demolished and the old concrete foundation will be crushed up to use as structural fill in the new foundation.
Plans are for a 3,900+ sq ft home which will have panoramic sunset views on the lake. We are excited to bring you details as we make progress on this beautiful plot of land (picture below: view from the island looking out at the lake).
