On Thursday, August 21st, City Council voted 6-1 against moving forward with asking the Planning Board for their recommendation regarding placing the “In Need of Redevelopment” designation on Wonderland Pier. This was a crucial first step in order to build ICONA’s 252-room resort.

ICONA Developer Eustace Mita was in the front row during the meeting, visibly upset with the ruling. After the vote, Mita said he did not appreciate deception, and accused Bill Merritt of fear-mongering and bullying. Bill Merritt is the President of “Friends of OCNJ History & Culture”, he also was a leader of the anti-ICONA “Ocean City 2050” organization.

During the meeting, Eustace Mita claimed he had asked the Morey Family (Owns Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, NJ) about partnering to build at the site, they declined. As he spoke, audience members began shouting, prompting Mayor Jay Gillian to intervene and ensure Mita could finish his comments.

Eustace Mita still owns the Wonderland Pier property, but reportedly plans to list the site for $25 million, which he described as the fair assessed value.

VOTING RECORD: