The future of the shuttered Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City is up in the air after city council voted against a plan to develop the area into a high-rise hotel resort.

Mita opened parts of the theme park this summer despite it closing last October, amid financial hardships, after about 94 years of operation. The owner rescued Wonderland from closure when about $8 million in debt was sought through bankruptcy court.

Icona Resorts Chairman and CEO Eustace Mita bought the property in 2021. After Wonderland closed in 2024, Mita initiated a plan to build a 252-room hotel on the land.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Aug. 21 before high tides during Hurricane Erin could produce coastal flooding along Jersey SHore.

City council members in Ocean City, New Jersey, are set to vote this week on the future of the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier.

Beaches along the New Jersey coast and in Delaware were closed Tuesday as the powerful storm churned in the Atlantic. New York City announced its beaches would close on Wednesday and Thursday.

Hurricane Erin made its closest approach to the tristate late on Thursday, delivering dangerous rip currents, rough surf, and coastal flooding along our shores. Conditions will improve as we head toward the weekend,