OCEAN CITY, NJ — There may not be a future for the iconic former Ferris wheel and carousel from Wonderland Pier, according to Ocean City officials.
"It's not possible to keep that Ferris wheel," Councilman Tony Polcini said during a recent City Council meeting.
He also said he did not think it would be "responsible for us to put money into being that being donated to us."
Previous reports said that the Ferris wheel had deteriorated due to salt water corrosion and could not be disassembled.
RELATED: Iconic Jersey Shore Ferris Wheel Must Come Down, Developer Says
Councilman Keith Hartzell, sharing an update on negotiations with developer Eustace Mita, said that the city would have "some kind of proposal together in 30 to 60 days," and called that timeline "very doable" once the analysis is complete. He said officials hope the review can be finished in about a week, after which council plans another round of small meetings with different pairings of members and the council president.
He also said the city plans "some kind of interactive" public meeting after that work is done. Hartzell said officials are considering a format that would provide more accessibility than the standard approach of residents speaking at a microphone, though he said the exact structure has not been finalized.
"This city's been divided over this. Our job's to heal it," Hartzell said.
He hoped for a unanimous consensus on the vote and emphasized its importance, calling it a "100-year decision."
Hartzell said the city ultimately plans to share its results with the developer and include public input as the process moves forward.
Previous Reporting
Ocean City Council To Hire Wonderland Redevelopment Attorney
Redevelopment Of Wonderland Site Continues To Be Discussed In Ocean City
Boardwalk Redevelopment Report Delayed By Ocean City Council
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