We REMAIN COMMITTED TO STOPPING big mistakeS
IN OCEAN CITY
September 2025
Council PROMISED to stop a Big Mistake ON OUR BOARDWALK! Let’s insist they keep their promises.
Unbelievable! Council VP Madden & City Solicitor McCrosson try to sneak rehabilitation re-vote for the Wonderland Pier. Show your outrage—your voice matters!
Last week, Ocean City came dangerously close to losing the trust we’ve been working so hard to rebuild.
Without public notice, Council Vice President Pete Madden and City Solicitor Dottie McCrosson tried to push through a surprise vote to revive the “rehabilitation” plan for Wonderland Pier. No agenda listing. And timed for when a key “No” vote was absent.
This move raised serious questions about who they’re working for—the people of Ocean City, or someone else?
Other Council Members, however, stood strong. Barnes and Hartzell defended transparency, and Polcini stopped the motion—for now. Many of the residents in attendance voiced their outrage. Now the rest of Ocean City needs to do the same.
What can we do next?
Thank the Council Members who stood strong in their commitment to move forward with a Master Plan that considers the entire Boardwalk.
Hold the others accountable for their actions.
GET INVOLVED because your voice matters.
because Ocean City
deserves better
August 2025
congratulationS ocean City!
Together, we stood up for our Boardwalk and stopped the push for a high-rise hotel—a Big Mistake that would have set a dangerous precedent for America’s Favorite Family Resort. And we'll be ready if the challenge returns.
This campaign united people across Ocean City who care deeply about our community’s future and we are deeply grateful to every community member and coalition partner for lending your voices, passion, and support.
With this success, the Big Mistake coalition is stepping back—for now. For those who may attempt this again, know that we will re-group and re-engage as needed. On this issue, and for any where strong, coordinated voices matter.
Until then, stay engaged with Ocean City 2050 and our partner organizations to help shape Ocean City’s future:
Ocean City 2050: advancing a thoughtful citywide Master Plan, revitalizing the North End of the Boardwalk, and ensuring good governance and smart planning
Friends of OCNJ History and Culture: celebrating OC’s historic homes & heritage
Save Wonderland: blocking harmful zoning changes to Wonderland Pier
Plaza Place Association: preserving one of Ocean City’s historic neighborhoods
Beach Watch Condominiums: active 7th Street community
Fairness In Taxes (FIT): protecting the interests of the Ocean City taxpayer
Concerned Citizens of Glen Cove: protecting OC’s smallest residential lagoon
Your voices matter. We stopped a Big Mistake—now let’s build Ocean City’s best future, together.
one POSSIBLE COMMUNITY-LED better idea? READ ON.
wonderland commons.
a place to play.
a place to stay.
Welcome to Wonderland Commons—where boutique lodging, a children’s amusement park, a cutting-edge digital experience center, and vibrant public spaces come together in one dynamic destination. A community-led proposal, Wonderland Commons has something for everyone, from young children to teens to adults.
Each element is independently operated but designed to work in harmony, creating a flexible, sustainable, and financially viable model. Together, they form a place to play, a place to stay, and a future Ocean City can truly own.
Located directly on Ocean City’s historic boardwalk, Wonderland Commons invites pedestrians to enter through its iconic gateway into a reimagined space where charm, community, and creativity come together. Inside, families can enjoy a diversity of experiences and activities for all ages as part of Wonderland Commons’ various components:
A Reimagined Wonderland: A boutique amusement park for kids and their families.
Digital Entertainment Center: Year-round interactive entertainment for teens and adults.
Public Attractions: A free playground, band shell stage, and rooftop deck with ocean views.
Food-Truck Dining: Ever-changing selections with rotating options.
Low-rise, High-End Lodging: rooftop pools, restaurants, retail and dining space in the heart of it all.
Moreover, our BETTER IDEA meets the requirements set by the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce for their support, including:
Ensuring community engagement and partnership as good neighbors.
Preserving our traditional charm and appeal.
Minimizing traffic and infrastructure impact.
Ensuring inclusive economic benefit.
a better idea.
A better answer.
As a modern, multi-use boardwalk village, Wonderland Commons is a true compromise that works FOR EVERYONE.
Preserves family-friendly identity with some upscaling.
Respects scale, sunlight, and neighbors.
Creates a real draw on the boardwalk’s northern end.
Flexible, fundable, and faster to implement!
