Wonderland Site's Future Up For Vote At Ocean City Council Meeting

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The future of the former Wonderland Pier could be decided on this week, as City Council is set to vote on naming the site as an area in need of rehabilitation at their meeting on Aug. 21.

Council members will consider a resolution asking the Planning Board for its recommendation as to whether to designate the former Wonderland Pier property at 600 Boardwalk as an "Area in Need of

Rehabilitation" at Thursday's meeting, officials said in a news release.

ICONA CEO Eustace Mita is not expected to make a presentation at this meeting.

"Designation as an Area in Need of Rehabilitation would not change the zoning standards for the

property, or result in any development approvals for the site, or be based upon any specific project
proposed to be constructed in the future," the news release reads. "Any project to be developed on this site would still require Planning Board or Zoning Board approval; and the designation would be based upon the current condition of the property."

Opponents of Mita's proposal, titled ICONA in Wonderland, quickly urged City Council to "do what is right" and reject the resolution.

"A vote to grant rehabilitation status to Wonderland Pier would be the first domino to fall — setting a dangerous precedent for the entire Boardwalk," said Jim Kelly of the group Ocean City 2050. That group is one of several that are part of a community coalition called "Big Mistake," opposing a high-rise luxury hotel on the Boardwalk.

Big Mistake outlined three steps that City Council should take:

1. Saying no to high-rises at the Wonderland Pier.

2. Before voting on rehabilitation, conduct a comprehensive review of the Boardwalk.

3. Negotiate with the developer.

"We believe in a future for Ocean City that is built on thoughtful growth, not overdevelopment. Our opposition is based on a deep love for our community and a desire to preserve what makes Ocean City 'America's Greatest Family Resort,'" said Helen Struckman of the group Save Wonderland.

The group also urged all residents, property owners and supporters to attend Thursday's meeting. It will be held at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Ave.).

If the property were designated as an area in need of rehabilitation, the adoption of a

“Redevelopment Plan” by ordinance would establish the land use controls for the Area in Need of Rehabilitation.

"In essence, the Redevelopment Plan would become the Zoning Ordinance for the Area. An ordinance adopting the Redevelopment Plan would be considered after a consistency review by the Planning Board," the city news release reads.

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