Ocean City Coalition Battles Massive Hotel Plan at Wonderland Site

Ocean City, N.J. -- A coalition of local groups is rallying against a proposed $150 million hotel at the former Gillian’s Wonderland Pier site, a beloved Boardwalk landmark shuttered in October 2024. The developer seeks City Council approval to designate the site as a redevelopment zone, bypassing zoning laws that bar hotels on this stretch of the Boardwalk. The 250-room project, the largest private development in Ocean City in decades, has sparked heated debate since its unveiling last fall.
Opposition, fueled by thousands of signatures, argues the hotel threatens Ocean City’s family-friendly charm and historic character. Groups like Ocean City 2050, formed in March 2025, emphasize they’re not against development but want alternatives that respect the town’s culture. Critics fear a zoning change could open the door to more Boardwalk hotels, disrupting nearby neighborhoods. Mayor Jay Gillian, whose family owned Wonderland, sold the property in 2021 to settle $8 million in debt, and the developer now operates an arcade, pizza shop, and bike rental there to keep it active.
The proposal, which includes preserving the iconic Ferris wheel and carousel, awaits formal council review and state approvals. Supporters, including some merchant groups, see it boosting tourism, but opponents urge a community-driven solution. Visit bigmistake.org for more on the coalition’s stance.