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The Ocean City planning board rejected a proposal to designate the former Wonderland Pier site as an area in need of rehabilitation. The vote, which took place on Wednesday (January 7), ended in a 4-4 tie, effectively denying the recommendation. This decision impacts developer Eustace Mita's plans to build a luxury hotel, named Icona in Wonderland, on the property.
The rehabilitation designation is crucial as it would allow changes to current zoning restrictions that currently do not permit hotel construction on the boardwalk. Despite the planning board's decision, the matter could still proceed to the City Council, which has the final authority to approve the designation. Councilman Sean Barnes emphasized that the council could make its own decision regardless of the planning board's recommendation.
Mita, who purchased the Wonderland property in 2021, expressed disappointment at the vote. He stated that he would consult with his attorney to decide the next steps, which might include selling the property if the hotel project does not receive approval. Mita's plan includes preserving some of the iconic rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel.
The Wonderland Pier, a fixture on the Ocean City boardwalk for over 90 years, closed in 2024 due to financial difficulties. The planning board's decision followed a lengthy meeting where over 200 attendees voiced opinions both for and against the rehabilitation designation. The issue is expected to return to the City Council for further discussion at their meeting on January 22.