Ocean City Hotel Project Moves Forward After Dramatic Council Turnaround

Issue #538

December 07, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎭Ocean City Hotel Project Moves Forward After Dramatic Council Turnaround

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ Christmas Comes to Life in Song at St. Joseph Church with Suite Inspiration

⛽ New Jersey Drivers Hit with Toll Increases Across Highways and Bridges in 2026

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: The Cape May Holiday Guide

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 December 7

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Ocean City Hotel Project Moves Forward After Dramatic Council Turnaround

Ocean City’s long-debated hotel proposal on the former Wonderland Pier property is back in motion after a pivotal City Council vote Thursday night reversed a prior decision, offering a potential lifeline to the $170 million development and boardwalk businesses struggling in its absence.

In a packed meeting at the Ocean City Music Pier that stretched over four hours, Council members voted 4-3 to refer the Wonderland Pier site to the Planning Board to determine whether it qualifies as “an area in need of rehabilitation.” This procedural step could pave the way for future zoning changes that might allow a hotel to be built on the amusement-zoned lot.

The decision undid an earlier 6-1 vote in August that blocked the referral. Since that setback, developer Eustace Mita, who purchased the property in 2021 for $14 million to rescue it from foreclosure, had listed the land for $25 million and claimed he was ready to walk away. Two offers reportedly came in above asking price, but Mita paused the sale pending Thursday’s outcome.

Dozens of business owners and residents turned out in support of the project, many of them citing the economic decline at the north end of the boardwalk following the closure of Wonderland Pier in October 2024. The amusement park had been a staple of Ocean City for nearly 60 years, drawing heavy foot traffic that merchants say has since evaporated.

While some council members pushed for broader planning through an ongoing boardwalk subcommittee, others argued for immediate action. The deciding vote came from Council President  ., who emphasized the need to lead decisively while continuing the subcommittee’s work concurrently.

The final vote saw Council members Jody Levchuk, Tony Polcini, Pete Madden, and Crowley in favor of the referral, while Sean Barnes, Keith Hartzell, and Dave Winslow opposed it. The decision keeps both the hotel proposal and the debate around it alive as the Planning Board takes up the next phase of the process. 

Christmas Comes to Life in Song at St. Joseph Church with Suite Inspiration

For the first time in nearly three decades of festive performances, Suite Inspiration will bring its beloved holiday concert to Sea Isle City. The vocal harmony group is set to present Once Upon a Christmas on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, located at 4308 Landis Avenue.

Known for their engaging and uplifting musical storytelling, Suite Inspiration’s annual Christmas show blends traditional carols, spirituals, pop favorites, novelty tunes, rock-inspired numbers, and international holiday music. This year’s theme draws inspiration from cherished Christmas books and stories, inviting audiences to revisit the legends and poems that make the season magical.

The program promises something for all ages—rich vocal harmonies, a nostalgic journey through holiday tales, and even a lively Christmas singalong to bring the crowd together. Whether you're a fan of classic holiday tunes or curious to hear lesser-known gems, this performance offers a heartwarming way to celebrate the season

 

A Billion Birds Lost: Cape May Confronts Window Collision Crisis

During a peaceful tai chi class overlooking the natural beauty of Cape May, a sudden thud at the window shattered the calm. A dark-eyed junco had flown straight into the glass and died instantly—a grim reminder of a much larger problem. The second bird that struck moments later survived, but many aren’t as lucky.

Each year in the United States, an estimated one billion birds die from collisions with windows and glass-covered buildings. Cape May County, known globally for its extraordinary bird migrations, is no exception.

As birds pass through this region during spring and fall migration, they navigate unfamiliar landscapes, often traveling in flocks by night and foraging by day. But the biggest danger isn’t just predators or storms — it’s human infrastructure, particularly clear and reflective glass.

For new buildings, the construction industry is developing "fritted" glass — glass with etched patterns — and experimenting with UV-light collision avoidance coatings, similar to those used on power lines.

The Cape May County Library in Sea Isle City has taken proactive steps by applying window decals to reduce bird collisions. These simple actions serve as a model for other public and private spaces.

Birds face many threats during migration — and glass is one of the most preventable. By making small changes to how we design and maintain our homes and buildings, Cape May residents can help protect the very species that make this area a global birding destination.

Answer to the December 7th Trivia Question

Cape May is recognized for its role in the protection of which animal species during their migration?

A) Bald eagles
B) Gray whales
C) Monarch butterflies
D) Leatherback turtles

Answer: C) Monarch butterflies.

Cape May is a critical stopover for monarch butterflies during their migration to Mexico each fall. The area’s unique geography funnels the butterflies to Cape May Point, making it one of the best places to observe this natural phenomenon.​.

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