ICONA Resorts’ Plan for Wonderland Pier Sparks Heated Debate in Ocean City
Things got heated at last night’s meeting at the Ocean City Library as ICONA Resorts’ CEO, Eustace Mita, presented his vision for a potential resort to replace Wonderland Pier.
The proposed project is still in its conceptual stage and would require several approvals from the city, including a zoning change.
ICONA Resorts’ Plan for Wonderland Pier Sparks Heated Debate in Ocean City
As previously reported, Mita envisions a 7½-story resort named ICONA in Wonderland, which would occupy the current footprint of Wonderland Pier.
The resort would feature 252 rooms while preserving key elements of the pier, including the historic carousel, the 140-foot-tall Ferris wheel, and the iconic wet boat ride.
Statement from ICONA on Wonderland Pier
The library’s meeting room was packed with about 100 attendees, eager to voice their concerns about the project.
Mita began the meeting by addressing the crowd, saying, “Sometimes you have to look at the past to take a look at the future and to see where we’ve been as a city to decide what’s best for where we want to go.”
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He shared his deep connection to Ocean City and Wonderland Pier, noting that the wet boat ride was his first as a child, which influenced his decision to preserve it.
Mita explained that this project is more than just a new development—it’s a passion project aimed at keeping Gillian’s Wonderland Pier alive.
He revealed that he had previously reached out to other amusement operators in New Jersey, including the Morey Brothers, to explore potential partnerships, but none were interested in a joint venture.
He added, “If somebody today wants to buy Wonderland and keep it as an amusement park, and just pay my carrying costs from the past four years, raise your hand, and I’ll talk to you after the meeting.”
The discussion primarily centered on three major concerns: parking, alcohol, and zoning.
Mita reassured attendees that alcohol would not be sold on the property. However, for weddings hosted at the resort, alcohol would be handled in the same way it is at the nearby Flanders Hotel—brought on-site solely for the event.
Addressing parking concerns, Mita shared that the resort’s design includes an elevated structure, creating space on the ground floor for 375 parking spots.
Additional parking for staff would be arranged off-site.
Despite his assurances, many residents expressed opposition to a hotel of this size in the 3rd Ward, arguing that the area was never intended to accommodate such large-scale developments.
For those who missed the meeting, another session will take place on December 4th at the Tabernacle Baptist Church.
The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by Wonderland Pier a few weeks back for a tour. You can check out that video below, but please be sure to subscribe.