Majority Ocean City Residents Oppose Wonderland Pier Hotel Plan

A majority of Ocean City residents oppose the proposed redevelopment of the defunct Wonderland Pier into a 252-room luxury hotel resort, according to multiple independent polls conducted by the Eagleton Center at Rutgers University and commissioned by the advocacy group Ocean City 2050. The surveys found that 53% of residents are very or somewhat opposed to the high-rise hotel plan, with concerns focusing on increased parking and traffic issues, potential overdevelopment, and loss of the boardwalk's family-friendly character. Residents expressed a strong preference for family-oriented attractions, entertainment, dining, and retail options that preserve Ocean City's unique charm and accessibility. Ocean City 2050 advocates for an alternative development called Wonderland Commons, which would feature boutique lodging, a small amusement park, and public spaces, aligning more closely with residents' desires. While developer Eustace Mita acknowledges some support for the project, he faces significant opposition that highlights community worries about the broader impact on the city's character and infrastructure. Overall, the polling underscores a community deeply invested in maintaining Ocean City's traditional appeal rather than embracing large-scale commercial hotel development.