Don’t Buy the Spin. The Chamber Is Calling for Dialog and Change

We welcome the news from the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce that their support of the proposed “ICONA in Wonderland” is dependent on the developer, Eustace Mita, meeting several critical conditions. These include a comprehensive traffic study, securing neighbor input and building community consensus, preserving Ocean City’s traditional charm, and a strong commitment to acting as a responsible neighbor and community partner.

These are important, values-based conditions. And it’s important to note, the current design can’t possibly satisfy them.

The takeaway from the Chamber: a meaningful discussion needs to start and the current high-rise resort design proposal needs to change. 

Take the “responsible neighbor” clause. The hotel would tower over neighboring historic homes, violating existing zoning. What responsible neighbor asks for a massive zoning change to build a high-rise in someone’s backyard?

What about “preserving Ocean City’s traditional charm”? High-rises on our commercial Boardwalk don’t reflect that vision. That’s never been a town priority—in fact, it’s been vociferously opposed for decades.

And our family-friendly appeal?  That requires kid-oriented fun.

We also applaud the request for a traffic study and would suggest that a similar study be conducted related to market need, sewage and environmental impact.

There’s a path forward, but it will involve a significant redesign—one that may include reducing scale, reintroducing amusements that drive foot traffic, or rethinking the site’s purpose entirely. In fact, the best solution may be a completely different vision—one shaped by the community from the start.

Indeed, it’s encouraging to see the Chamber of Commerce advocate for thoughtful, community-centered development. It’s what the City itself should have been saying to the developer all along, following the lead set by Cape May. When Mr. Mita proposed a hotel at the site of their historic Beach Theater, they made it clear that while they appreciated his desire to invest, any proposal needed to follow the city rules and be the right development for their community. Along those same lines, if the conditions the Chamber have set forward for this boardwalk proposal can’t be met, then their support should also evaporate. 

We urge Mr. Mita to take this feedback, engage with residents and embrace a vision shaped by and for Ocean City.  Together, we can build something that truly reflects the values and character of this town.