Ocean City Planning Board Rejects Luxury Hotel Plan for Former Wonderland Pier Site
In a narrow 4-4 vote, the Ocean City Planning Board has rejected a measure to clear the way for a luxury hotel project at the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site. The proposal, which would have allowed Icona Resorts to construct a 252-room hotel on the boardwalk, hinges on rezoning the property and is seen as a crucial step towards redevelopment.
The planning board's decision follows months of debate and lobbying by Icona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita, who purchased the debt-burdened property in 2021. Mita has argued that the site qualifies for rehabilitation zoning, a designation that would allow him to move forward with his plans despite current zoning restrictions.
However, the planning board ultimately decided that the site does not meet the criteria for rehabilitation zoning, citing concerns about the suitability of certain features of the property. The decision is seen as a significant blow to Mita's plans and raises questions about the future of the former amusement park.
City Council Vice President Pete Madden expressed disappointment with the planning board's decision but noted that it was non-binding. He stated that the council would continue to discuss the issue and potentially revisit the proposal in the future.
The city council's stance on the project has been divided, with some members supporting the development of a luxury hotel while others have opposed it. The debate is ongoing, with the next step likely to be determined at an upcoming city council meeting.
Mita has stated that he will sell the property if his hotel plans are not approved, and has received bids from developers in excess of $25 million. However, the proposal's fate remains uncertain, and the future of the former Wonderland Pier site continues to hang in the balance.
In a narrow 4-4 vote, the Ocean City Planning Board has rejected a measure to clear the way for a luxury hotel project at the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site. The proposal, which would have allowed Icona Resorts to construct a 252-room hotel on the boardwalk, hinges on rezoning the property and is seen as a crucial step towards redevelopment.
The planning board's decision follows months of debate and lobbying by Icona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita, who purchased the debt-burdened property in 2021. Mita has argued that the site qualifies for rehabilitation zoning, a designation that would allow him to move forward with his plans despite current zoning restrictions.
However, the planning board ultimately decided that the site does not meet the criteria for rehabilitation zoning, citing concerns about the suitability of certain features of the property. The decision is seen as a significant blow to Mita's plans and raises questions about the future of the former amusement park.
City Council Vice President Pete Madden expressed disappointment with the planning board's decision but noted that it was non-binding. He stated that the council would continue to discuss the issue and potentially revisit the proposal in the future.
The city council's stance on the project has been divided, with some members supporting the development of a luxury hotel while others have opposed it. The debate is ongoing, with the next step likely to be determined at an upcoming city council meeting.
Mita has stated that he will sell the property if his hotel plans are not approved, and has received bids from developers in excess of $25 million. However, the proposal's fate remains uncertain, and the future of the former Wonderland Pier site continues to hang in the balance.
the planning board is being super strict about this luxury hotel project 
i think its a bummer for icona resorts but also kinda fair considering the state of that pier 
they need to make sure its a good fit for the area and not just some overpriced tourist trap 
i hope city council does some more discussion on it before makin decisions 
, I mean who wouldn't want a fancy hotel on that boardwalk? It's been empty for ages and it'd bring some life back into Ocean City. But I guess the planning board saw some deal-breakers with that property 
. Can we just focus on gettin' some real development done in Ocean City instead? Like, a community center or somethin' that actually benefits the locals 
I was really hoping to see some progress on that pier site... I remember going there as a kid with my family all those years ago it had such good vibes 
Ugh, sounds like Ocean City is gonna lose out on some serious cash from that luxury hotel deal 
The whole thing just feels like a mess, withIcona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita trying to swoop in and turn the former amusement park into a posh hotel 
And now it's all being held up by a 4-4 vote on the planning board... what even is that? 
The city council can't seem to make a decision, and it's just gonna leave everyone wondering if this project will ever move forward 
i mean i get it tho the city is all like we dont wanna be stuck with a debt-burdened pier and all that but at the same time its not like hes just gonna sell it 4 pennies and walk away 
but on the bright side, maybe this means the property can be preserved or repurposed in a more community-friendly way 