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Ocean City Council Sends Wonderland Pier Redevelopment to Planning Board on 4–3 Vote

The decision revives consideration of a hotel-led overhaul rejected in August by directing a 45-day rehabilitation study that could set up a future rezoning.

Overview

  • The Planning Board will evaluate the 600 Boardwalk property and issue a recommendation within 45 days on whether it qualifies as an Area of Rehabilitation.
  • The late-night vote followed hours of sharply divided public comment and reverses an August 6–1 council rejection of advancing a similar measure.
  • Icona Resorts has proposed a roughly 252-room, seven-to-eight-story hotel for the shuttered amusement site, which remains zoned only for amusement use.
  • Business associations pressed for action, citing reduced foot traffic since the pier closed in 2024 and multiple store closures on the boardwalk’s north end.
  • A day before the vote, Mayor Jay Gillian announced a personal bankruptcy and said it will not affect city finances or his intention to remain in office.