Wonderland Hotel Debate Continues At Latest Meeting In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Despite being rejected by City Council, business owners in Ocean City still hope to see a luxury hotel constructed where Gillian's Wonderland Pier sat for decades.

The topic was the focus of Thursday's City Council meeting, which was held at the Ocean City Free Public Library in order to accommodate attendees.

At the meeting, the business community of Ocean City urged officials to reconsider their rejection. A vote in August to refer the Wonderland property to the Planning Board as an area in need of rehabilitation failed. Read more: 'It's Over': Wonderland Luxury Hotel Fails Critical Ocean City Council Vote

After that meeting, Vice President Pete Madden tried to push another vote on the matter at the Sept. 25 meeting. It was tabled and drew some controversy from residents, who accused Madden of a sneak attack.

But business owners told City Council that they should do another vote.

"The boardwalk merchants firmly believe the city of Ocean City must embrace strategic redevelopment opportunities and remain competitive, strengthen our business community, and ensure long-term stability for both residents and visitors," said Wes Kazmarck, president of the Boardwalk Merchants Association. "We respectfully request that the council revote on rehabilitation designation and allow this matter to proceed properly to the planning board for review."

Manco & Manco pizzeria co-owner Chuck Bangle said that something is needed to draw visitors to the northern end of the Boardwalk.

Boardwalk merchants, downtown merchants and other local business representatives concurred.

Also at the meeting, Council President Terry Crowley Jr. announced he was creating a subcommittee for zoning on the Boardwalk before the city reexamines its master plan. Members include Dave Winslow, Jody Levchuk, Sean Barnes, mayor's aide Michael Allegretto, builder Dean Adams, Jim Kelly from Ocean City 2050 and Kazmarck. One or two more may join, Crowley said.

This autonomous board will give recommendations to City Council, who will in turn forward those to the Planning Board.

"I think I've pulled some of the best together, people from different sides of the aisle with different viewpoints," Crowley said, adding that embracing differences was the way to move forward.

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
• '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