Ocean City’s planning board recently deadlocked 4-4 on designating Wonderland Pier as an area in need of rehabilitation, putting the brakes on ICONA Resorts’ $170 million hotel project. The pier, a beloved family-friendly amusement park, closed in October 2024 due to financial struggles. ICONA’s chairman, Eustice Mita, plans to discuss the project’s future with city officials, citing ongoing financial losses. Without the redevelopment declaration, Mita might sell the property. The City Council will revisit the decision, leaving Wonderland Pier’s fate uncertain

Mita’s sunk around $500,000 into revamping Wonderland Pier’s facade and reopening it as a pizza joint and arcade, but still owes roughly $700,000 in interest. He’s meeting with city officials to figure out next steps, with a decision expected by next week’s end. Mita’s convinced the property qualifies for rehab status, making it prime for a hotel. The planning board’s deadlock shifts the decision to City Council, leaving Wonderland Pier’s fate uncertain and the potential hotel project on ice.