Calls for discussion and consensus on future of property
A growing coalition of local organizations, civic associations and resident groups has come together to publicly oppose the proposed high-rise resort on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Representing thousands of citizens, residents and regular vacationers, these groups argue that the project threatens the historic character, zoning integrity and family-friendly culture that define Ocean City. As advocates for a transparent, fact-driven process that respects Ocean City’s history and culture, they make clear they are not against change or thoughtful development, but rather for a process that includes consideration of various alternatives to arrive at a consensus.
“It’s important to recognize just how many Ocean City residents and organizations are firmly against the idea of a high-rise hotel on our historic boardwalk. While the developer Eustace Mita claims to have received endorsements from a few merchant associations, he offered these groups a false binary choice: his hotel or nothing,” Jim Kelly, a local resident and one of the founders of community-led advocacy group Ocean City 2050, said. “We submit that there are better alternatives that should be explored, which would more successfully serve our community and still be highly profitable. Even groups that Mita claims have ‘endorsed’ his resort have concerns.”
The coalition is asking Ocean City’s City Council — and developer Mita — to listen to their voices and pursue a vision that reflects the values, history, and priorities of the people who love and live in Ocean City. This request is in line with the requirements issued by the Chamber of Commerce, which said their approval was “contingent upon several key recommendations aimed at ensuring alignment with the character and values of the community.”
Currently, the 600 Boardwalk property is not zoned for a hotel. As Friends of OCNJ History & Culture President Bill Merritt said, “Changing this zoning risks the remainder of the boardwalk following suit, and we could lose a huge part of the charm and draw that makes our city so special. The redevelopment of Wonderland should be shaped by a process that is respectful, inclusive, and rooted in the values that make this town special.”
Helen Struckmann, of the grassroots organization Save Wonderland, added, “The fight to save Wonderland isn’t just about one property — it’s about preserving Ocean City’s soul. Our group, which has more than 1,700 followers, stands against any project that sets a precedent that could open the boardwalk to low, mid- and high-rise condo developments and change the identity of the island. This hotel proposal could easily be the Trojan horse that replaces our family-focused attractions with high-priced condos. With the changing landscape, we could no longer legitimately hold the title ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort.’ A recent community petition
focused on protecting the zoning of the Ocean City boardwalk, for example, currently has more than 4,500 signatures and is growing every day.“
The hotel is being proposed for the former Wonderland amusement park site and would sit adjacent to a number of historic neighborhoods. Anthony Dirado, chairman of the Plaza Place Association, voiced concerns over proximity and impact, saying, “The residents of Plaza Place Civic Association are resolute in opposition to this resort hotel proposal on the Boardwalk, which is adjacent to our Ocean City recognized historic neighborhood.”
Howie Atkinson of the Beach Watch Association, representing another group of affected neighbors added, “The Wonderland property is not ‘blighted’ or ‘in need of rehabilitation.’ It is in need of a project that is in keeping with the history, culture, charm, and zoning of our beloved Ocean City. It is not in need of a project that will start the demise of the boardwalk and the family-friendly atmosphere that Ocean City offers its residents and guests.”
Preservation-focused groups are especially concerned about the long-term implications for the city’s identity.
“Our group exists to celebrate the irreplaceable charm of Ocean City’s historic homes,” said Richard Barth of the Ocean City Old Homes Lovers Group, which boasts more than 9,000 members. “The project as proposed will not only negatively impact the boardwalk but will have an adverse impact on the neighboring historic communities. With a positive dialogue, we can do better as a community.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by other neighborhood groups. Bob Hellyer, spokesperson for Glen Cove Concerned Citizens added, “A zoning decision has already threatened the solitude and safety of our private lagoon. We don’t need more bad decisions destroying other parts of the town.”
The host of community voices behind the discussion all agree that the former Wonderland property is too important for rushed decisions and private deals. Together, they call on city officials, planners and developers to pursue a path that reflects the shared values of the Ocean City community: transparency, tradition and thoughtful planning.
These community
groups include:
Ocean City Old Homes Lovers Group (9,000+ members)
Save Wonderland (1700+ followers)
Friends of OCNJ History & Culture (600+ followers)
Ocean City 2050 (500+ followers)
Plaza Place Civic Association (40+ members)
Beach Watch Association (40+ members)
Glen Cove Concerned Citizens (20+ resident members)
A number of these groups are also part of the recent Big Mistake initiative launched at bigmistake.com.
