Ocean City Council to Vote on Luxury Hotel Proposal for Wonderlnd Pier Site, Determining Fate of Beloved Boardwalk Destination
The fate of a beloved Ocean City boardwalk destination hangs in the balance as leaders gather Thursday night to vote on a luxury hotel proposal for the former Wonderland Pier site. The outcome will determine whether the contentious plan to build a 252-room hotel remains viable.
Debate over the future of the site at Sixth Street has animated the Jersey Shore community since Wonderland Pier closed in October 2023, ending its decades-long run as a fixture on the east end of the boardwalk. Icona Resorts, the Jersey Shore hotel chain that bought the struggling amusement park in 2021, hopes to build a luxury hotel that would preserve Wonderland's iconic Ferris wheel and other rides at the property.
However, opponents of the hotel plan fear it would damage Ocean City's family-friendly reputation and create an unwanted obstruction on the beachfront. "We're not opposed to development," said one council member, "but we need something that benefits everyone, not just a select few."
The proposal has gained support from business leaders, who see it as a vital step in revitalizing the boardwalk. "The Ocean City Boardwalk could really use some help right now – and some hope," Wes Kazmarck, head of the boardwalk merchants association, said. "If this is a 'no' vote, this will not be a hotel. But Mita will stay in the game if there's a process and progress."
The outcome of Thursday night's vote would not guarantee that a hotel gets built, but it would be a major step in that direction. Current zoning at the Wonderland property only permits another amusement park, which the owner and many Ocean City leaders say is not economically viable anymore.
If the resolution passes, the Wonderland property will be referred to the city's planning board to decide whether to recommend that the site be designated as an area in need of rehabilitation. This would allow the city to negotiate directly with the developer on the project's details and take advantage of a state program that offers tax incentives to the city for the site's redevelopment.
"I think we're generating tourism-type traffic purely from the build," said City Council Vice President Pete Madden, who is supporting the hotel proposal. "People are going to go down to check it out. We already have people lining up to watch sand get pumped in when the beaches get filled."
The resolution needs four votes to pass, and Madden hopes another vote will come from Council President Terry Crowley Jr. or Councilman Dave Winslow. The project's developer, Icona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita, believes a "yes" vote would open months of negotiations before a deal is reached and construction would begin on the hotel.
The outcome of Thursday night's vote has significant implications for Ocean City's leaders, businesses, and residents. A "no" vote could lead to years of stagnation and political fights over the property's future. Mita urged the council to end the state of limbo over the property's future, saying, "You could almost say the site's been condemned because it can't be used as an amusement park anymore... If you leave the biggest site in Ocean City dead, where's the encouragement?"
The fate of a beloved Ocean City boardwalk destination hangs in the balance as leaders gather Thursday night to vote on a luxury hotel proposal for the former Wonderland Pier site. The outcome will determine whether the contentious plan to build a 252-room hotel remains viable.
Debate over the future of the site at Sixth Street has animated the Jersey Shore community since Wonderland Pier closed in October 2023, ending its decades-long run as a fixture on the east end of the boardwalk. Icona Resorts, the Jersey Shore hotel chain that bought the struggling amusement park in 2021, hopes to build a luxury hotel that would preserve Wonderland's iconic Ferris wheel and other rides at the property.
However, opponents of the hotel plan fear it would damage Ocean City's family-friendly reputation and create an unwanted obstruction on the beachfront. "We're not opposed to development," said one council member, "but we need something that benefits everyone, not just a select few."
The proposal has gained support from business leaders, who see it as a vital step in revitalizing the boardwalk. "The Ocean City Boardwalk could really use some help right now – and some hope," Wes Kazmarck, head of the boardwalk merchants association, said. "If this is a 'no' vote, this will not be a hotel. But Mita will stay in the game if there's a process and progress."
The outcome of Thursday night's vote would not guarantee that a hotel gets built, but it would be a major step in that direction. Current zoning at the Wonderland property only permits another amusement park, which the owner and many Ocean City leaders say is not economically viable anymore.
If the resolution passes, the Wonderland property will be referred to the city's planning board to decide whether to recommend that the site be designated as an area in need of rehabilitation. This would allow the city to negotiate directly with the developer on the project's details and take advantage of a state program that offers tax incentives to the city for the site's redevelopment.
"I think we're generating tourism-type traffic purely from the build," said City Council Vice President Pete Madden, who is supporting the hotel proposal. "People are going to go down to check it out. We already have people lining up to watch sand get pumped in when the beaches get filled."
The resolution needs four votes to pass, and Madden hopes another vote will come from Council President Terry Crowley Jr. or Councilman Dave Winslow. The project's developer, Icona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita, believes a "yes" vote would open months of negotiations before a deal is reached and construction would begin on the hotel.
The outcome of Thursday night's vote has significant implications for Ocean City's leaders, businesses, and residents. A "no" vote could lead to years of stagnation and political fights over the property's future. Mita urged the council to end the state of limbo over the property's future, saying, "You could almost say the site's been condemned because it can't be used as an amusement park anymore... If you leave the biggest site in Ocean City dead, where's the encouragement?"
I'm torn about this whole thing. On one hand, I think a luxury hotel would bring in some much-needed revenue to the city and revitalize the boardwalk. 
It could be a game-changer for local businesses and help preserve Ocean City's reputation as a top tourist destination. 
But on the other hand, I'm worried that it might make the area too commercialized and lose its family-friendly vibe. 
The beachfront is already a bit of an eyesore with all the condos and development, so adding another giant hotel would just make it feel more crowded and less chill. 
I guess only time will tell if the council makes the right decision... 
. im thinkin 4eva that dem should jus focus on savin oceancitys beach vibe rn u dont wanna ruin it w/ a big ol hotel 
. i mean, ppl r already talkin bout how much they love wonderland pier, why change it now? 
its like, dont fix what ain't broke, right? 
. But on the other hand, there's definitely concerns about it changing the boardwalk's family-friendly vibe and making it harder for people to enjoy the beach 
.
just heard about this luxury hotel proposal for Wonderlnd Pier Site. Can't believe they're gonna destroy our beloved boardwalk destination 
. It's not just about the hotel, it's about the vibe and the memories we make there 
. The council members are trying to balance progress with preserving the family-friendly atmosphere, but I'm worried it's gonna be a trade-off that benefits only the rich folks 
. Can't we find a way to revitalize the boardwalk without sacrificing its soul? 