Defense and Compliance Attorneys
Source: site
Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian announced in an email blast to city residents that he is filing for personal bankruptcy. The 500-word statement took a personal tone; Gillian said the decision comes at a painful time for him and his family and stressed that the decision “has no impact whatsoever on city finances, budget, credit rating, or operations.”
The entire statement can be read on the city government’s website.
“I understand the seriousness of it, and I am committed to learning from this experience and rebuilding with integrity and discipline,” Gillian wrote.
He asked the public for sympathy and expressed gratitude for the personal support he has received during the bankruptcy process. He also asked political opponents to respect his family and to not to use the announcement as an attack opportunity.
Gillian’s announcement comes the day of a scheduled gathering of business owners at the Music Pier. The gathering was to show support for Eustace Mita’s plan for developing an eight story luxury resort and retail space on the land that was home to the Wonderland Pier.
City council will vote on a potential referral of the site to the Planning Board for consideration as a site in need of redeployment or rehabilitation on Thursday.
The Wonderland Pier was built and run by Gillian’s family from 1965 to 2024 when Jay Gillian announced its closure, saying it was no longer financially viable. In an effort to deal with debts related to the pier, Gillian had previously sold the land to Mita in 2021. Mita leased it pack to Gillian so the amusement park could continue to operate.
The future of the pier site has been a hugely controversial issue in Ocean City since Gillian closed the park on October 2024. Several citizen groups have formed in opposition to Mita’s plans for the site. Mita has talked of an investment of $150 million in the hotel and retail complex he has planned for the site. However, Mita wants the flexibility of state redevelopment zone laws in order to avoid long and protracted struggles over zoning variances.
The message at the gathering Wednesday was simple, businesses need an attractions at the north end of the boardwalk to bring tourists and foot traffic to their stores.
An attempt to have the Wonderland site issue sent to the Planning Board for considered as a redevelopment zone was defeated in a council vote in August. Instead the council said it wanted to tie the future of the site to a master plan process that would broadly consider the future of the boardwalk. A subcommittee of city officials and members of the public was establish to start what many in the business community think will be a long and protracted process.
Citizen groups that opposed the hotel plan have called for public turnout to the council meeting.
What impact Gillian’s announcement will have on the deliberations and vote is unclear.
Gillian’s statement spoke to those who may be concerned that his personal financial position could have a negative impact on city finances.
“Our city’s fiscal position remains strong, and all municipal services, programs and commitments continue uninterrupted and fully funded,” Gillian said. He added that, “Safeguards, oversight, and the structure of municipal government ensure that personal finances and public finances remain entirely separate.”
Gillian’s term as mayor expires in June 2026, meaning his announcement could also impact any campaign for reelection.
Upcoming Events
Defense and Compliance Attorneys