Goodwill Returns to OC Process

by Bill Merritt

The Boardwalk Subcommittee’s first meeting on February 7, 2026, did more than present data—it began restoring goodwill in Ocean City. After months of division surrounding Wonderland, the Subcommittee’s commitment to facts, transparency, and long-term thinking has lowered the temperature and given residents confidence that there is a path forward. 

Of course, this type of  work takes time; complex data is rarely dealt with in a single meeting. We know everyone wants this resolved. And the spring deadline set out by the Subcommittee properly  balances urgency with the need to get this right.

Which makes recent rumors that the rehabilitation designation may return to Council on February 19 all the more troubling. 

Why interrupt a process that is finally bringing stability and openness to this discussion? Why reopen the wound?

Council should allow the Subcommittee to finish its work, through a transparent public process that sheds light on the issue. Ocean City has already seen the benefits of that approach. It should not return to the shadows just as progress is being made.