Wonderland Pier Redevelopment Heads to Planning Board Review

Wonderland Pier Redevelopment Moves to Planning Board Review

The future of the former Wonderland Pier site in Ocean City has entered a new phase following a closely divided City Council vote. On December 4, Council voted 4–3 to refer the property at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk to the Planning Board for a formal redevelopment study.

The site has remained closed since fall 2024, and the referral marks the first procedural step toward determining what may eventually replace the longtime amusement landmark.

What the Council Vote Means

The Council’s decision was made under New Jersey’s “area in need of rehabilitation” statute. By referring the property to the Planning Board, the City has initiated a process that allows for a structured review of zoning, land use, and redevelopment options.

Council President Terry Crowley cast the deciding vote after a public meeting that drew more than 450 residents. The discussion reflected a sharp divide within the community over scale, density, and the future character of Ocean City’s Boardwalk.

The Proposed ICONA Hotel Concept

The property’s new owner has proposed a 252-room ICONA hotel for the site. While the proposal has received significant attention, the Council’s action does not approve any specific plan or construction.

Instead, the Planning Board will now evaluate redevelopment possibilities and establish zoning parameters that would govern what could be built on the site. No construction may proceed until that process is complete and any required ordinances are adopted.

Public Reaction and Community Concerns

Supporters of redevelopment cited economic benefits, including job creation and increased foot traffic at the north end of the Boardwalk. Opponents raised concerns about building height, density, and how a large hotel could alter Ocean City’s traditional scale.

According to coverage of the meeting, residents emphasized the importance of public input throughout the Planning Board review process. The City has also formed a Boardwalk subcommittee to evaluate zoning along the surrounding corridor.

Why It Matters for Ocean City’s Built Environment

Large redevelopment sites along the Boardwalk are rare, making the former Wonderland Pier property particularly significant. Any zoning changes or redevelopment frameworks established here could influence future planning decisions along the Boardwalk.

“In places like Ocean City, major sites like this don’t come along often,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “Once zoning decisions are made, they tend to shape the area for decades.”

What Happens Next

The Planning Board will conduct its study and may hold public hearings as part of the process. Residents will have opportunities to weigh in before any zoning recommendations move forward to Council for consideration.

For now, the site remains unchanged, and the outcome will depend on the conclusions reached through formal planning review rather than a single vote.