Ocean City, N.J. officials hire planning advisor for Gillian's site

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- The ongoing saga of what will happen to the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site in Ocean City, New Jersey entered a new chapter.

City Council voted unanimously Thursday night to hire a planning advisor.

That person will guide council members on proposals and future redevelopment on the boardwalk.

The developer who owns the land, Eustice Mita, wants to build a 250 room luxury resort called "Icona in Wonderland."

Council must still decide whether to designate the site as a property that is "in need of rehabilitation" before moving forward with its redevelopment.