Ocean City's Planning Board Hands Down Rejection on Hotel Project Proposal for Wonderland Pier Site
The Ocean City Planning Board has rejected a measure to pave the way for a luxury hotel project at the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site, dealing another setback to plans that have been stalled since 2021. The proposed 252-room hotel would be constructed on the north end of the boardwalk, but current zoning restrictions prohibit new hotel construction in the area.
Icona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita had lobbied for a rezoning designation at the site, which he claimed was necessary to revitalize the property and make it more suitable for future development. However, after hearing from various stakeholders, including city officials, residents, business owners, and even his own team, the planning board voted 4-4 on whether the site qualified as an area in need of rehabilitation.
Despite this non-binding decision, Ocean City Council Vice President Pete Madden indicated that the board's recommendation would likely be disregarded. "We went to the planning board like we would call an attorney for advice," he said. "That doesn't mean we have to follow it." Instead, city council will continue to grapple with the issue at its next meeting on January 22.
Madden argued that designating the property as a rehabilitation zone would allow both the owner and the city to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement, rather than relying on a series of separate zoning variances. However, some residents, including Bill Merritt from Ocean City 2050, expressed skepticism about the planning board's decision, citing concerns over the adequacy of evidence.
With the latest development, the fate of Wonderland Pier remains uncertain, and its future as an amusement park or another use remains up in the air. Icona Resorts' CEO Eustace Mita has stated that he will sell the property if his hotel plans are rejected, but new owners would still need to obtain a rezoning designation to pursue any alternative uses.
As the city council continues to navigate this complex issue, it appears that the status quo may persist for now, with further delays and discussions likely to ensue.
The Ocean City Planning Board has rejected a measure to pave the way for a luxury hotel project at the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site, dealing another setback to plans that have been stalled since 2021. The proposed 252-room hotel would be constructed on the north end of the boardwalk, but current zoning restrictions prohibit new hotel construction in the area.
Icona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita had lobbied for a rezoning designation at the site, which he claimed was necessary to revitalize the property and make it more suitable for future development. However, after hearing from various stakeholders, including city officials, residents, business owners, and even his own team, the planning board voted 4-4 on whether the site qualified as an area in need of rehabilitation.
Despite this non-binding decision, Ocean City Council Vice President Pete Madden indicated that the board's recommendation would likely be disregarded. "We went to the planning board like we would call an attorney for advice," he said. "That doesn't mean we have to follow it." Instead, city council will continue to grapple with the issue at its next meeting on January 22.
Madden argued that designating the property as a rehabilitation zone would allow both the owner and the city to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement, rather than relying on a series of separate zoning variances. However, some residents, including Bill Merritt from Ocean City 2050, expressed skepticism about the planning board's decision, citing concerns over the adequacy of evidence.
With the latest development, the fate of Wonderland Pier remains uncertain, and its future as an amusement park or another use remains up in the air. Icona Resorts' CEO Eustace Mita has stated that he will sell the property if his hotel plans are rejected, but new owners would still need to obtain a rezoning designation to pursue any alternative uses.
As the city council continues to navigate this complex issue, it appears that the status quo may persist for now, with further delays and discussions likely to ensue.
. I mean, who doesn't love Ocean City? It's like, the ultimate beach town. And the thought of some fancy hotel taking over Wonderland Pier just feels like it's gonna change the vibe of the whole boardwalk. Plus, what if the new owners decide to tear down the old amusement park stuff and just build a bunch of condos or something? It sounds like a total loss to me 
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. But I guess the planning board just didnt think it was the right fit for the area. Its like they were worried about the vibe of the pier getting lost with all the new development 
. I'm curious to see what happens next, maybe a compromise? 
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. And good luck w/ getting it rezoned, Icona Resorts' CEO needs 2 go thru the motions or smthn lol. The ppl of Ocean City r smarter'n that, dey know what's best 4 their city 
. Maybe if they focused on fixin up other areas instead of tryna gentrify Wonderland Pier, dey'd be doin somethin positive 
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. I mean, i know the owners wanna revitalize the pier site but come on, there's already a ton of stuff in Ocean City, we dont need another one. Plus, i feel bad for the ppl who actually live around that area, they should be more important than some fancy new hotel 
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they cant just go ahead n build a hotel on wonderland pier like its no big deal lol 
. i mean i get it, ppl wanna make some cash but cmon!! 
. i think its so unfair 2 the residents who r already worried bout it. 
u gotta love how city council vice pres Pete Madden is just like "we dont gotta do wut the planning board says lol" 
. idk what's goin on but im all 4 more transparency & communication!!! 
. I mean, who needs a luxury hotel when you've got the iconic Wonderland Pier, right? 
. Eustace Mita's all about reviving the property, but maybe he should've done his homework before lobbying 
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. I'm all for preserving the old-school charm of Wonderland Pier. Let's keep it as an amusement park or whatever it is we want it to be, rather than ruining it with some fancy-schmancy hotel. Can't we just leave it alone? 
also can u explain why ppl gotta sell the whole thing just cuz they lose on zoning? 
! One minute you're getting your hopes up thinking a luxury hotel is gonna revitalize the spot, next thing you know, the planning board says "hold my beer" and rejects the proposal 
. But seriously, who knew zoning regulations could be so wild? 
Let's hope the city council doesn't keep pushing the pause button and we'll see some progress soon. Fingers crossed! 
! Like, they're not even giving Icona Resorts a clear answer on whether they'll get that rezoning designation... 
! I mean, wonderland Pier has been sitting there all these years, and now it's finally gonna see some serious development plans 
. But if the city council is being super cautious, we might be looking at another 5-year delay... ugh 
. On the bright side, maybe this will give residents a chance to weigh in on what they really want for that pier 
? Fingers crossed that it'll become an amusement park again 
, or who knows what! Maybe some new owners will come in and bring some fresh vibes 
!
. Icona Resorts is gonna sell the property and hope someone else buys into their plan (get it?). Meanwhile, Ocean City Council is all like "we'll figure it out... maybe". I mean, who needs certainty when you can have a good ol' fashioned debate? 
. Can't we just focus on preserving some of that nostalgic magic instead? 
another business venture bites the dust... think all those ppl relyin on that hotel project 4 a livin 
Icona Resorts is sayin they'll just sell if plans are rejected tho idk how dat's gonna work out 
Maybe some other developer will come along and come up with a plan that everyone can get behind? 