Ocean City’s planning board deadlocked on rehabilitating Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, leaving the proposed luxury hotel project uncertain pending city council review
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier Rehabilitation Plans Uncertain
OCEAN CITY, N.J. (WPVI) — Plans to rehabilitate Gillian’s Wonderland Pier on the Ocean City boardwalk are currently uncertain.
The planning board voted 4-4 on Wednesday night. This vote effectively denied a recommendation to classify the site as “in need of rehabilitation.”
This vote was important to move the project forward due to current zoning restrictions. However, city council members may have the final decision.
“The development on that side is not dead, but this designation for right now has not been afforded to the development,” said Councilman Sean Barnes.
“Either way, if we said as the planning board yes or no, either way it still goes back to council and council can make our own decision,” added Barnes, who is also on the planning board.
A council meeting is scheduled for Thursday night, but Barnes noted that the Wonderland Pier project is not on the agenda.
Developer Eustace Mita, who bought the property in 2021, has proposed a 252-room luxury hotel called “Icona in Wonderland.” He stated he would keep the Ferris wheel and carousel, but the plan has met resistance.
Gillian’s Wonderland was a popular spot on the boardwalk before it closed in 2024 after 94 years of operation.
Vote Summary
| Vote Outcome | Planning Board Vote | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Denied Recommendation | 4-4 | City Council Decision |
