Ocean City Votes to Put Luxury Hotel Proposal on Hold, Leaving Its Future Uncertain
A contentious proposal for a luxury hotel on the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site in Ocean City has been put on hold after the city council voted to send the matter back to its planning board. The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for the future development of the property.
The 252-room hotel, proposed by Icona Resorts, would preserve some of the original rides and attractions from the former amusement park. However, opponents of the project argue that it would damage Ocean City's family-friendly reputation and obstruct the beachfront.
City council members, who initially voted down the proposal 6-1 in August, are now calling for more flexibility with the zoning regulations. Vice President Pete Madden said that if a hotel is to be built, it should be done in a way that preserves Wonderland's iconic Ferris wheel and other rides.
The vote would not guarantee that a hotel gets built, but it would be a major step towards making it happen. The property currently only permits another amusement park, which the owner and many Ocean City leaders believe is no longer economically viable.
If the resolution passes, the property will be referred to the planning board to decide whether to recommend that it be designated as an area in need of rehabilitation. This designation 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 for redevelopment.
The Icona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita has received two competing bids for the property, both north of $25 million. He is hoping that this vote will determine whether he sells the property.
Business leaders in Ocean City are calling on the city council to approve the hotel proposal, citing concerns about stagnation and political fights over the property's future if nothing is done. They argue that a "yes" vote would open months of negotiations before construction begins.
However, two community groups opposed to the hotel want the city to continue its master planning process, which reviews the entire boardwalk's zoning. They believe any zoning changes should be decided by a council subcommittee with representation from residents.
The outcome of this vote leaves the future of the Wonderland Pier site uncertain, with some business leaders calling for the city to "just decide" and move forward.
A contentious proposal for a luxury hotel on the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site in Ocean City has been put on hold after the city council voted to send the matter back to its planning board. The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for the future development of the property.
The 252-room hotel, proposed by Icona Resorts, would preserve some of the original rides and attractions from the former amusement park. However, opponents of the project argue that it would damage Ocean City's family-friendly reputation and obstruct the beachfront.
City council members, who initially voted down the proposal 6-1 in August, are now calling for more flexibility with the zoning regulations. Vice President Pete Madden said that if a hotel is to be built, it should be done in a way that preserves Wonderland's iconic Ferris wheel and other rides.
The vote would not guarantee that a hotel gets built, but it would be a major step towards making it happen. The property currently only permits another amusement park, which the owner and many Ocean City leaders believe is no longer economically viable.
If the resolution passes, the property will be referred to the planning board to decide whether to recommend that it be designated as an area in need of rehabilitation. This designation 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 for redevelopment.
The Icona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita has received two competing bids for the property, both north of $25 million. He is hoping that this vote will determine whether he sells the property.
Business leaders in Ocean City are calling on the city council to approve the hotel proposal, citing concerns about stagnation and political fights over the property's future if nothing is done. They argue that a "yes" vote would open months of negotiations before construction begins.
However, two community groups opposed to the hotel want the city to continue its master planning process, which reviews the entire boardwalk's zoning. They believe any zoning changes should be decided by a council subcommittee with representation from residents.
The outcome of this vote leaves the future of the Wonderland Pier site uncertain, with some business leaders calling for the city to "just decide" and move forward.
. I mean, Ocean City is such an amazing destination for families, and a luxury hotel on the beachfront just seems like a bad idea 
. The original rides and attractions are already super iconic, so why mess with that? 
Plus, it's not like the city can't find other ways to boost tourism without ruining its reputation.
I'm all for progress, but let's not sacrifice what makes Ocean City so special in the process 
. This whole thing just feels like a hot mess, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that something better comes out of this 
. but seriously, if ocean city wants to preserve its family-friendly vibe, they gotta make sure whatever they decide on doesn't ruin it for future generations 
. and whats up with all these competing bids for the property? $25 million is a lot of cash 
... maybe they should just sell the whole thing and be done with it 
. i think its time for ocean city to rethink its master plan and get some input from the community 
.
, considering there were already multiple bids north of $25 million on the table 
. At the end of the day, I think the city needs to figure out what it wants to do with that property - if they can't even make a decision, how are they supposed to attract new businesses or revitalize the area? 
. Maybe the planning board will get it right and we'll finally see some progress 
.
it's like 1 min from my beach house lol 
Not just for rich people who want a fancy view of the ocean. And what's up with all these different groups having their own opinions? 
Some think it should be saved as an amusement park, others think it should be redeveloped into a hotel... can't we just make it a compromise thing? 
Like, maybe a boutique hotel that still has some of the old rides and stuff? That way everyone's happy 
... I mean, can't they just make a decision already?! It's been going on for ages and it's giving everyone anxiety 
. If we're gonna build something new, let's do it right and think about the community 
. Can't we find a way to make it work for everyone?! 
?
they're worried about the beach and the fam-friendly vibe that makes ocean city so special. and business leaders are all like "come on guys, we need this investment!" 
but at the same time, there's a lot of pressure to make sure the proposal doesn't ruin the pier's history... it's like, what's next? gonna build condos everywhere? 
anyway, i hope they figure out what to do with that property soon. it's been stuck in limbo for ages 
... but at the same time, I think it's kinda harsh on Icona Resorts to have to wait even longer to make a decision 
. I mean, if business leaders in Ocean City are calling for the city to approve the hotel proposal, it's hard not to see how this could boost the local economy 
. And if anyone thinks that this proposal is just going to be another example of politics getting in the way of progress, then I'm with them 
.
It's like, what if they build a hotel that's actually designed to complement the boardwalk, rather than just sitting on top of it? 
Maybe we'll see some creative solutions come out of this uncertainty 
.
. I get both sides, but what really gets me is that the city council is basically saying they don't know if they want to sell the property or not 
It's like, can't we just get some clarity already? 
but c'mon, it's a lil mixed signals from ppl on both sides 
Ocean City's luxury hotel proposal is like my love life – it's always going back and forth between "yes, let's do this!" and "no, we're good". But seriously, who needs a fancy hotel when you've got the beach and some old rides that might not even be working anymore 
. Can't the city just decide to make Wonderland Pier into a giant nostalgic theme park... I mean, hotel? And if they do, it's gonna be a wild ride (pun intended 
).
. Either way, I'm hyped to be along for the ride 
