Plans in the works to convert Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City, New Jersey to a 252-room hotel
It's been sitting shuttered for a month on the Ocean City boardwalk, but plans are in the works to transform the old Gillian's Wonderland Pier into a 252-room hotel named "Icona in Wonderland."
"At a very large expense, we are going to keep the iconic Ferris wheel," said developer Eustace Mita, who added he also plans to save the carousel.
Mita told CBS News Philadelphia hotel rooms in Ocean City have been dwindling over the years with more condos and duplexes popping up. He said the city has not had a new hotel built in 50 years, and Icona in Wonderland will stand seven and a half stories tall.
"We're going to have full retail right on the boardwalk. The hotel will be behind the retail.... anywhere from 10-13 retail stores," Mita said.
"It's the wrong project, at the wrong place, with the wrong intentions, with the wrong process," said Bill Merritt, president of Friends of Ocean City New Jersey History and Culture.
The proposal presented to city leaders this week is already drawing some opposition. Merritt said a hotel is not a venue focused on children like Gillian's was, he believes it will draw traffic away from boardwalk businesses, and said it's too big.
"His renderings never show the two-story cottages and houses behind it, which will be crushed not only by the traffic created by this but the shadows," Merritt said.
According to the city, the space on the boardwalk is not currently zoned for a hotel.
Mita said he plans to have the property designated as an area in need of redevelopment, which requires public hearings, and approval from city council, the planning board, and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Reaction from the community was mixed.
"I think it will be a positive addition to the neighborhood definitely. I thought it was gorgeous," said John Sellers, born and raised in Ocean City.
"I think the people with the really young kids that bring them here to go on these fun little rides for the younger set are going to miss that," said Jan Eberlein, who has been coming to Ocean City for over 50 years.
Mita said the approval process from the city could take six to eight months, and if approved, construction will last two years.
Wonderland Pier closed its doors in October, leaving bittersweet memories for families and community members not ready to say goodbye. Friends of Ocean City New Jersey History and Culture organized a community photo with hopes of sparking new ideas and helping save the 94-year-old institution.
After years of financial troubles, Jay Gillian, the owner of Gillian's and the mayor of Ocean City, announced in August that the amusement pier was no longer a viable business and would close down for good,
Back in August, Roy Gillian, founder of Wonderland Pier and a former Ocean City mayor, died at 94. He opened Wonderland Pier in 1965 at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk, later founding Gillian's Island and Adventure Golf.
