UPDATE: Ocean City Council has just voted to breathe new life into the long-shuttered Gillian’s Wonderland Pier. The decisive 4-3 vote, which took place Thursday night, mandates the planning board to evaluate the site for possible rezoning, a significant step toward redeveloping the iconic amusement park.
Residents packed the meeting, passionately voicing their opinions before the measure passed shortly after 10 p.m. This decision comes as a beacon of hope for the community, as the popular boardwalk attraction has been closed since 2020. Developer Eustace Mita, who acquired the property in 2021, has ambitious plans to construct a 252-room luxury hotel dubbed “Icona in Wonderland.”
Mita aims to preserve the beloved Ferris wheel and carousel as part of the redevelopment, yet his proposal has encountered pushback. Earlier this summer, Mita expressed willingness to sell the property after a similar zoning initiative was rejected in August.
The planning board now faces the critical task of determining whether the site qualifies as “in need of rehabilitation” to move forward with Mita’s plans. Should the board approve this evaluation, the project could set a new standard for revitalization in the area, sparking economic growth and drawing tourists back to the boardwalk.
Stay tuned as this story develops, and follow Action News for the latest updates on the future of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier. This redevelopment could change the landscape of Ocean City, offering a new attraction while honoring the nostalgia of its past. Share your thoughts and stay engaged as we watch this unfolding narrative.
