Developer Eustace Mita, owner of Icona Resorts, acquired the property in 2021 and is now seeking to quickly formalize a redevelopment plan with the municipality.
"I have a plan for 30 to 45 days," said Eustace Mita, owner of Icona Resorts. "We don't mess around."
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However, city officials indicated they intend to take a more deliberate approach toward reviewing and structuring the proposed boardwalk development.
"I think it's going to be a number of months. We don't want to rush through the process," said Terry Crowley Jr., City Council President.
"I don't know that we have an exact timeline."
The designation drew strong opposition from community groups like Ocean City 2050, which argued that the city bypassed proper statutory planning mechanisms.
"Designating 600 Boardwalk as a property in need of rehabilitation is a gross abuse of New Jersey Housing and Redevelopment Law," said Marie Hayes, a resident.
"It is an atrocity to use the rehabilitation designation where the clear intent is to demolish the existing structures and replace them with development that is radically different in use, density and community impact."
Business leaders expressed support for the redevelopment during the public meetings, stating that the local business district requires a commercial anchor at the north end of the boardwalk.
"You've earned a vote," said Bill McGinnity, a restaurant owner representing the city's Restaurant Association. "We've talked this thing to death … .
We need you to push this through."
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The city must now draft a formal redevelopment plan outlining specific building standards, which will be subject to future public hearings and planning board reviews before any construction can begin.
