Redevelopment Of Wonderland Site Continues To Be Discussed In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ —Ocean City officials discussed pending litigation and contract negotiations on the appointment of litigation counsel in a closed session at the latest City Council meeting.

No formal action was taken.

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Before the session, Councilman Keith Hartzell said the discussion would be limited.

"We will not be talking about the property itself. We won't even think about the property. Don't think about the property. This is strictly to hire an attorney," Hartzell said.

He also said council had not settled on a redevelopment outcome.

"We're at the very, very beginning. The very beginning," Hartzell said. He added that when council develops a proposal, "it's going to be our plan. It's not going to be somebody else's plan."

Hartzell said council members had agreed to work together and consider input from multiple groups in Ocean City.

During public comment, former Councilman Pete Madden said he supports a hotel at the Wonderland site and urged council to stop litigating.

"Nearly two years into this fight, what do we have to show for it? An empty lot, legal bills, and the same disagreement," Madden said.

Madden asked council to keep talking until there is a deal that works for Ocean City.

At the meeting, City Council also unanimously adopted a report that outlines the next steps of redeveloping the Boardwalk, including Wonderland.