Ocean City Council Prepares for Critical Vote on ICONA Wonderland Pier Redevelopment

Ocean City Council Prepares for Critical Vote on ICONA Wonderland Pier Redevelopment

Ocean City is once again facing a pivotal moment in the future of one of its most iconic boardwalk properties as City Council prepares to revisit a vote concerning the designation of the former Gillian’s Wonderland Pier site.

The long-debated question of how to redevelop the shuttered amusement park is returning to the agenda after months of stalled progress, community disagreement, and competing visions for the future of the boardwalk.

The Wonderland Pier Property and Its Changing Future

Once a defining part of Ocean City’s family entertainment landscape, Wonderland Pier officially closed after the 2024 season. Its rides, signage, and boardwalk presence had shaped summers for generations, making its absence especially noticeable.

In 2021, the property was acquired by ICONA Resorts, which announced an ambitious plan to construct a large luxury hotel on the site. The concept included a 252-room beachfront resort that would sit where the rides once stood.

To advance the hotel plan, the city would need to designate the property as an Area in Need of Rehabilitation. Such a classification would give greater flexibility for zoning and land use, potentially allowing a project of this scale on the boardwalk.

The issue came to a head in August 2025 when City Council voted decisively against referring the property to the Planning Board. With the motion failing in a six to one vote, ICONA announced plans to place the property on the market at its appraised value.

Renewed Push for a Revote

Despite the earlier rejection, a renewed push emerged this month as Council member Jody Levchuk formally requested the matter return to the agenda.

Levchuk has expressed concern about the future of the vacant pier, arguing that it is unrealistic to expect a new amusement park to be built and that allowing the site to sit unused negatively affects both the boardwalk economy and nearby businesses.

His request seeks to have City Council reconsider sending the property to the Planning Board for evaluation and possible rehabilitation designation.

According to the public notices, it is officially back on the floor. The current wording of the notice says “25-62-544- A Resolution Referring a Proposed Resolution Declaring Block 600.05, Lots 1 & 2, Located at 600 Boardwalk, to be an Area in Need of Rehabilitation to the Ocean City Planning Board.”

While some council members support revisiting the issue, several others believe it is premature. They prefer to wait for findings from a newly formed advisory group now studying overall boardwalk zoning.

Their position is that the Wonderland site should be evaluated alongside broader land use considerations rather than addressed independently.

For them, little has changed since the August vote, and they remain cautious about moving too quickly.

What the Decision Means for Ocean City

The outcome of this new push holds major implications. A successful revote could reopen the door to redevelopment, potentially reviving discussions about a hotel or introducing entirely new proposals.

Supporters argue redevelopment could bring stability and fresh energy to the boardwalk.

Also see: A New “Green” Cape May Lewes Ferry Vessel Is Coming

Opponents worry large-scale construction could alter Ocean City’s identity and impact longtime residents and visitors and also still want an amusement park there.

As Council prepares for its next meeting on Thursday December 4th, the future of the Wonderland Pier property remains uncertain.

Whether the city chooses to reconsider redevelopment now or wait for broader planning recommendations, the decision will shape the direction of the boardwalk for years to come.

The Wildwood Video Archive toured the site prior to its closing. You can watch that video down below.