Powerful Norcross Family Bids On Wonderland Site, Reports Say

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Eustace Mita's proposed ICONA in Wonderland luxury hotel, replacing Gillian's Wonderland Pier, failed a crucial vote less than a month ago. Now, two bids have been made on the property, including one from a New Jersey political powerhouse, according to news reports.

The Norcross family, one of the most powerful families in the state, has bid $25 million on the property, as reported by the Ocean City Sentinel and the Press of Atlantic City.

Home construction company Ryan Homes is also expected to submit a bid, according to the reports.

Mita told the Press of Atlantic City that the Norcross family would build townhouses, and Ryan Homes would presumably do residential development. However, either of these would still need Zoning Board approval.

Mita's hotel had faced plenty of local opposition, with one group offering its own plan for the property that combined a family-friendly atmosphere with lodging options in a multi-use village. That plan, called Wonderland Commons, was proposed by citizen group Ocean City 2050.

Previous Reporting

• Wonderland Site's Future Up For Vote At Ocean City Council Meeting
• Proposed Ocean City Luxury Hotel Launches Petition For Support
• More Than Half In Ocean City Oppose Wonderland Luxury Hotel, New Poll Says
• 'A Better Idea': See Alternative Proposal For Wonderland In Ocean City
• These Ocean City Groups Are Speaking Out Against Wonderland Luxury Hotel
• New Advocacy Group Announces Plans For Ocean City's Future