Philip Norcross proposes million purchase of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier site in Ocean City.
In the aftermath of a recent decision by the Ocean City Council to reject a proposal for a high-rise hotel on the site of the historic Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, the developer behind the plan, Eustace Mita, has revealed that he is considering two offers to acquire the property, which has deep sentimental value within the community.
Mita disclosed that he is currently evaluating a million offer from Philip Norcross, the CEO of Parker McCay and a prominent attorney. The proposed redevelopment plan aims to transform the former amusement park, located at 600 Boardwalk, into luxury townhouses. Norcross, who is known to split his time between Philadelphia and Ocean City, is the brother of George Norcross, a significant figure in New Jersey’s Democratic political landscape. According to a spokesperson, Norcross views this redevelopment as an opportunity to enhance the city while preserving its reputation as a family-friendly resort.
In addition to Norcross’s offer, Mita has anticipated another proposal from NVR Inc., a publicly traded homebuilding company based in Virginia. NVR, valued at .3 billion and operating across 16 states, has expressed interest in developing the area as townhouses. However, Ryan Sheplee, NVR’s vice president of finance, opted not to comment on the situation.
Despite these potential deals, Mita expressed disappointment over the council’s earlier decision to block his hotel proposal, which was envisioned as a 7.5-story structure serving both tourists and locals alike. He remarked that the council’s rejection was a missed opportunity for Ocean City, which has long benefited from the presence of the amusement park as a center for family entertainment.
The future of the Wonderland Pier remains uncertain, as the community grapples with the prospect of development versus the preservation of its nostalgic past. The park, which has been closed since October, marked the end of an era, leaving behind its iconic turreted architecture, now stripped away.
As the council prepares to revisit discussions regarding the property’s redevelopment, differing opinions among residents on the best use for the site will inevitably shape the dialogue. City Councilmember Keith Hartzell acknowledged the offer made to Mita but emphasized the importance of adhering to existing zoning regulations, which prioritize entertainment and family activities in the area. He indicated that any residential development would require careful deliberation involving community input, reinforcing the necessity of reconciling new proposals with the wishes of local residents.
With this backdrop, Ocean City’s next steps in addressing the future of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier will be crucial in determining how the town balances redevelopment with the preservation of its cherished legacy.
