A few weeks ago, Eustace Mita announced that the Ferris wheel would no longer be part of any venue he created at 600 Boardwalk. His explanation was that its condition had deteriorated and it could no longer operate safely.

The public response was predictable: outrage. Mita had promised to incorporate the Ferris wheel into his proposed high-rise resort, as ill-conceived as that resort was. Preserving the ride was part of his pitch for public support.

At a recent City Council meeting, former council member Pete Madden spoke on behalf of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and urged negotiation over the proposed resort at 600 Boardwalk.

That was encouraging. But it was also a little surprising coming from someone who has been a steadfast supporter of the high-rise proposal, and he gave little indication that he believed compromise was appropriate, or even necessary. We should remember he ran for mayor on this “no compromise” platform, finishing a distant third.

But assuming Pete is truly in favor of negotiation, it seems safe to assume he also accepts that negotiation must involve compromise: finding common ground and working toward a shared solution.

Ocean City’s Boardwalk zoning has protected its special charm and appeal for more than 50 years. Its focus on entertainment and amusements, coupled with a 13-foot height limit (with exceptions for taller rides), has kept the boardwalk open to sky and sun, and centered on family fun. These protections have been fundamental to Ocean City’s identity as America’s greatest family resort, and they have worked remarkably well in driving the economic success of this shore town.

As Ocean City Council now considers an exception to this zoning at 600 Boardwalk — an exception that may be appropriate given the unfortunate circumstances the city finds itself in — it’s critical that council also consider the risks those zoning changes could bring, and craft strict, enforceable safeguards to protect the rest of the boardwalk.

This past week, Eustace Mita told us that Ocean City’s iconic Ferris wheel cannot be saved. He went so far as to arrange a press tour, showing off the damage and describing the imminent danger.

The spectacle was galling: an owner inviting the press to highlight deterioration on his own property—one he has owned for five years—as evidence of the urgency to move forward with his vanity high-rise project, and if he has his way, with taxpayer subsidies.