Dear Friends and Supporters,At the most recent City Council meeting, Council members offered a glimpse into ongoing negotiations over the former Wonderland site. They are waiting for answers from developer Eustace Mita, who is currently out of the country, on key questions about the project’s size, height, and parking. We were pleased to see Council reaffirm its commitment to a plan that all seven members can agree on. For those interested in more on the discussion, the OCNJ Daily published a helpful write up here. You can also watch the full meeting at OCNJ’s YouTube Channel. A call for public input before an agreement Resident Alan Richter thanked Council for seeking a unanimous decision and urged members to hold a town hall meeting before any agreement is finalized. “My motivation is…my granddaughter,” said Richter, holding up a photo. “She absolutely loves the Ocean City Boardwalk. She’s the seventh generation of my family to love the Ocean City Boardwalk and my motivation is to see the Boardwalk evolve in a way that she will still love the Boardwalk for the rest of her life, and god willing, the life of her children and grandchildren.” He emphasized that public involvement builds transparency, trust, and goodwill while bringing forward perspectives and ideas before a plan is a done deal. That can make the process smoother and more efficient for everyone. Protecting what makes the Boardwalk special We are encouraged that Council is using the Boardwalk Subcommittee’s recommendations to guide negotiations, including: Protecting the Boardwalk’s iconic character. Respecting the adjacent historic neighborhood. Prioritizing family-friendly entertainment.
Height will be a critical test of that commitment.
Mita’s public comments suggest a building that could reach roughly 120 feet. Lowering an excessive starting proposal does not make the resulting height appropriate for Ocean City. The Boardwalk’s low-rise character, open sky, sunlight, and sea breezes are central to its appeal and must remain central to any agreement. Seaspray: The value of listening The former Seaspray site offers a useful example of how development can move forward when a developer listens. As demolition begins, the HOWE Group has been credited with working with City officials and the community to shape a project that fits Ocean City and improves an important gateway into town. That responsiveness matters. Successful development starts with understanding what a community values and working together to build a plan that reflects it. Council’s pursuit of consensus at 600 Boardwalk should include that same opportunity for residents to help shape the outcome.
As discussions over 600 Boardwalk continue, we’re encouraged by Council’s commitment to finding common ground. The next step is to ensure residents have a meaningful voice in shaping a plan that protects the Boardwalk’s character and serves Ocean City’s future.
As always, if you have thoughts you’d like to share, or would like to get involved with our efforts focused on better governance and transparency in Ocean City, please reach out. We’d love to chat with you. Sincerely, Bill Merritt
Ocean City 2050
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