OCEAN CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- The shuttered Gillian's Wonderland Pier on the Ocean City boardwalk could soon see new life after city council voted 4-3 Thursday night to have the planning board evaluate the site for possible rezoning.

The vote marks a key step toward redeveloping the amusement park property due to current zoning restrictions.

Dozens of residents spoke during public comment before the measure passed after 10 p.m.

Developer Eustace Mita , who purchased the property in 2021, has proposed building a 252-room luxury hotel called "Icona in Wonderland."

He has said he would preserve the Ferris wheel and carousel, but the plan has faced resistance.

READ MORE | 'It's bittersweet': Hundreds say goodbye to Gillian's Wonderland Pier on its last day

Over the summer, Mita indi

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