$150 million luxury hotel proposed for Ocean City Boardwalk

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

Eustace Mita, the part owner of Gillian's Wonderland Pier and owner of Icona resorts, is asking Ocean City to support a proposal to build a $150 million luxury beachfront hotel where the 5th and 6th street parking lots are now located.

Mita pitched his idea to City Council at its Thursday, Feb. 23 meeting, explaining that Ocean City would have to sell city-owned land, aka the large public parking lots across from the Boardwalk, for his plan to become reality.

Additionally, the city would have to either amend its zoning ordinance or grant a variance to Icona resorts because hotel development is not permitted on the Boardwalk.

The proposed resort would include 325 rooms and be reminiscent of a grand coastal, “old seashore” style with a modern twist. It would also include family-friendly amenities, restaurants, retail and a beachfront pool.

“We haven’t had a new hotel here in half a century,” said Mita.

h e noted that numerous old hotels and motels were converted into condominiums in recent decades, causing a boom in Ocean City’s rental real estate market. As a result, far fewer hotel and motel rooms are available, forcing vacationers to either find an AirBnB or rent a property.

Mita said the development will immediately become the largest single tax ratable in Ocean City, producing millions in tax revenue for such things as road and infrastructure projects.

The timeline for the project is still unclear, although Mita would like to move ahead “as fast as possible.” In addition to needing a zoning change, the project would also require a series of regulatory approvals. If all hurdles are cleared, the hotel could be built by 2026-2027.

“It’s a beautiful presentation. But we’ve got a long road ahead,” Gillian said to Mita, referring to the hotel plans.

Gillian assured the public that although the hotel would be built adjacent to Wonderland Pier, Gillian would not be involved with Icona resorts’ development of the nearby lot.

Mita addressed the project’s potential to boost the city’s tourism market by increasing available hotel rooms in America's Greatest Family resort.

Councilman Keith h artzell expressed concerns over the family-friendly image of Ocean City, and how a new resort on the Boardwalk could impact the atmosphere of that area. Specifically, guests could get rowdy or bring alcohol on the Boardwalk, making families fearful of investing in a vacation on the island.

Mita, an Ocean City resident, is the president and owner of Icona resorts. Icona previously purchased and renovated Avalon’s Golden Inn, Diamond Beach’s The Grand and Cape May’s Palace h otel.

“We’re happy to see new ideas. There’s a lot to digest, a lot to follow,” said Council President Pete Madden. “It’s in its infancy. We have an idea. We’ll watch, listen and learn.” saturday

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