Ocean City Businesses Show Support For Wonderland Hotel

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Ocean City business community came out fully in support of Eustace Mita's ICONA in Wonderland luxury hotel, arguing that it's needed to keep Boardwalk businesses afloat.

At a press conference Wednesday, Mita outlined his plans for the hotel. On Thursday, City Council is expected to vote again on whether to designate the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier as an area in need of rehabilitation - a vote that, if passed, could secure the property's future as a hotel. Read more: New Location For Vote On Wonderland Property In Ocean City

Representatives from Boardwalk merchants, downtown merchants, the Chamber of Commerce and restaurants all said that the matter was urgent.

"There have been four stores that have closed already," Wes Kasmarck from the Boardwalk Merchants Association said. "There's a fifth and a sixth that are on their way out the door, I'm told."

Without the hotel being built at 600 Boardwalk, local businesses are at risk, he said. More foot traffic is needed in that area. If not, then more businesses could close.

Mita said that City Council's vote was not about his hotel.

"It's let's not sit here and do nothing," Mita said. "Let's get this site into redevelopment, rehabilitation so that we can move forward."

Mita had previously said he would sell the property after the initial redevelopment vote failed. Ryan Homes and the Norcross family have submitted bids. If sold, the site would likely become a residential development.

Mita also said that City Council asked him to hold off on the sale.

If approved, the hotel could be constructed within two years, he said.

Speaking to the nostalgia factor, Mita said that he would keep the carousel and place it in its own enclosure. He also said that he had previously purchased four additional kiddy rides. As for the Ferris wheel, Mita said the Chamber of Commerce had asked him to donate it to the city and let them place it in front of the high school, which he would comply with.

It would likely cost around $170 million.

Previous Reporting

• Powerful Norcross Family Bids On Wonderland Site, Reports Say
• 'It's Over': Wonderland Luxury Hotel Fails Critical Ocean City Council Vote
• Proposed Ocean City Luxury Hotel Launches Petition For Support
• More Than Half In Ocean City Oppose Wonderland Luxury Hotel, New Poll Says