From Amusements to Hotel? Residents Push Back

Ocean City’s iconic Wonderland Pier site at 6th Street and the Boardwalk is at the center of one of the most talked-about development debates of Summer 2025.

Developer Eustace Mita has proposed building a 252-room resort hotel at the now-closed amusement park location. While some see the plan as a chance to modernize a prime piece of Boardwalk real estate, many residents and civic groups are lining up against it—calling the project overbuilt, out of character, and potentially damaging to the family-friendly vibe that defines Ocean City.

The Opposition Movement: “It’s a Big Mistake”

In late June, the community group Ocean City 2050 unveiled a counter-proposal dubbed “Wonderland Commons”—a mixed-use concept blending public space, amusements, and smaller-scale lodging. They’ve since launched a full-blown grassroots campaign including:

• Website: BigMistake.org

• Flyers and community buttons

• Calls for a zoning vote delay

• Petitioning residents and business owners to speak out at City Council meetings

One Ocean City resident shared at a recent meeting, “This isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about scale. A 250-room hotel doesn’t belong at 6th & Boardwalk.”

What the Developer Wants

Mita’s plan calls for a major zoning change to allow hotel use on the pier property, which is currently restricted to commercial and amusement-related development. The proposed hotel would include:

• 252 rooms and suites

• Ocean-facing balconies

• Event space and ground-level retail

• Rooftop amenities overlooking the beach

He is expected to submit a formal application in July, which will trigger public hearings and potentially a zoning board showdown.

Local Agent Insight: What This Means for Property Owners

As a local agent, I’ve worked with buyers who value Ocean City’s low-rise, small-town character—especially near the Boardwalk. Projects like this can spark both excitement and anxiety. If it’s built, values of surrounding condos might benefit from increased foot traffic. But if public backlash continues, it may spook some buyers who worry about congestion and aesthetics. Either way, major Boardwalk projects tend to ripple through the local housing dynamic.

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Why It Matters

This isn’t just about one hotel. It’s about how Ocean City defines its future. The redevelopment of the pier site—long a symbol of family fun—has the potential to shift the visual identity of the Boardwalk. Residents, second-homeowners, and local business owners are asking: Do we want big-resort Ocean City, or do we keep it small-town iconic?

Micro-FAQ

Where is the site located?
At 6th Street and the Boardwalk, former site of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.

Is the hotel approved yet?
No. A zoning change must be granted first, with hearings expected in July.

Can residents weigh in?
Yes—public comment will be allowed at upcoming Council and zoning board meetings.

📞 Curious how this development could affect your Boardwalk-area property?

You can call me directly, send a quick message, or visit my contact page for local insights before decisions are made.