Ocean City Council Approves 5-2 Rezoning for Wonderland Pier Site as 252-Room Hotel Fight Looms
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 5
Ocean City Council Approves 5-2 Rezoning for Wonderland Pier Site as 252-Room Hotel Fight Looms
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 5
Summary
A 5-2 Ocean City Council vote designated the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site as "in need of rehabilitation," clearing the way for redevelopment after the amusement park closed in October 2024.
The action does not approve construction of developer Eustace Mita's proposed 252-room hotel; the city must still draft a redevelopment plan, hold public hearings and secure additional approvals.
Gillian's Wonderland Pier, a boardwalk landmark known for its 144-foot Giant Wheel, shut down after years of inflation, rising insurance and operating costs, with COVID-19 disruptions and Superstorm Sandy also cited.
Ocean City 2050 said it will join other groups in suing the city, arguing the designation strengthens the developer's hand, while supporters say a hotel could boost a resort town of 11,000 residents that draws more than 100,000 daily summer visitors.