Controversial Wonderland Luxury Hotel Gets Ocean City Chamber Backing: Report

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce has put their support behind the controversial ICONA in Wonderland luxury hotel - with a few stipulations, according to a report.

The chamber met with ICONA CEO Eustace Mita to discuss the project, which will be officially presented to Ocean City Council this summer, the Press of Atlantic City reported.

And the chamber voted to support the $150 million hotel, according to the report, though that support is contingent on their recommendations.

They asked that Mita donate the iconic Ferris wheel to the city "as a symbol of goodwill and legacy," the report said.

The chamber also requested a comprehensive traffic study done to address impacts, ongoing community input to secure neighbor input, preservation of Ocean City's charm, a strong commitment from the developer to act as a responsible neighbor and partner and collaboration with local businesses to ensure economic benefit for all, according to the report.

Gillian's Wonderland Pier shuttered at the end of the last summer season for financial reasons. Mita, who owned the property, laid out his plans for a luxury hotel to be built on the site, which has been met with controversy. This summer, the site will house a small arcade and pizzeria.

Those who oppose the hotel wish to see something family-friendly be built on the site instead.