These Ocean City Groups Are Speaking Out Against Wonderland Luxury Hotel

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A coalition of Ocean City groups are banding together to voice their opposition to Eustace Mita and his proposed ICONA in Wonderland luxury hotel on the Boardwalk.

In a news release Monday, local organization Ocean City 2050 said that the proposed high-rise resort "threatens the historic character, zoning integrity, and family-friendly culture that define Ocean City."

The group formed this past March. Read more: New Advocacy Group Announces Plans For Ocean City's Future

"As advocates for a transparent, fact-driven process that respects Ocean City’s history and culture, they make clear they are not against change or thoughtful development, but rather for a process that includes consideration of various alternatives to arrive at a consensus," the group said.

Ocean City 2050 called for Ocean City Council and Mita to "listen to their voices and pursue a vision that reflects the values, history, and priorities of the people who love and live in Ocean City."

Jim Kelly, one of the organization's founders, said that there are alternative options that should be explored and not just the binary choice of a hotel or nothing.

A major concern of the hotel's opponents is that the Boardwalk is not zoned for a hotel, and they fear that by allowing one, it would pave way for future hotels - permanently changing the area.

"Changing this zoning risks the remainder of the boardwalk following suit, and we could lose a huge part of the charm and draw that makes our city so special," said Friends of OCNJ History & Culture President Bill Merritt. "The redevelopment of Wonderland should be shaped by a process that is respectful, inclusive, and rooted in the values that make this town special."

Several of the groups involved also are involved in a recently-created website, bigmistake.org, also aimed at stopping the proposed hotel.

No formal plans have been made for said hotel; previous reports have said that Mita plans to officially present the plans to City Council this summer.

"The fight to save Wonderland isn’t just about one property—it’s about preserving Ocean City’s soul," said Helen Struckmann from the group Save Wonderland.

"Our group exists to celebrate the irreplaceable charm of Ocean City’s historic homes," said Richard Barth of the Ocean City Old Homes Lovers Group. "The project as proposed will not only negatively impact the boardwalk but will have an adverse impact on the neighboring historic communities. With a positive dialogue, we can do better as a community."

• Ocean City Old Homes Lovers Group
• Save Wonderland
• Friends of OCNJ History & Culture
• Ocean City 2050
• Plaza Place Civic Association
• Beach Watch Association
• Glen Cove Concerned Citizens

Previous Reporting

• Controversial Wonderland Luxury Hotel Gets Ocean City Chamber Backing: Report
• Mita Lays Out Plans For ICONA In Wonderland Luxury Hotel
• Alternative Plan Proposed For Wonderland Site In Ocean City