Fish Pier platform dispute fuels lawsuit and raises town legal costs
June 20, 2026 | Stonington, Hancock County, Maine
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Stonington selectmen heard extended public comment about the Fish Pier platform and were told this month that Sunshine Seafood has sued the town over recent board actions concerning the structure.
At a March meeting residents, fish dealers and boat operators told the board the platform is essential to loading and business operations. Speakers including Jim Eaton and Hilton Turner said users routinely clear space to accommodate others, and several said removing the platform would harm local dealers. Opponents raised concerns about blocked access, safety and fairness in how private property and gear had been stored on town property.
Town Manager Billings told the board that the town has been served with a complaint from Sunshine Seafood challenging the selectmen’s actions regarding the platform; board members discussed adding money to the legal budget to cover defense costs. Selectman John Steed estimated legal exposure in the “tens of thousands” and said he would use $25,000–$30,000 as a planning figure; Billings said she had not yet received a formal estimate from the town attorney.
The board did not take a new vote to remove the platform during the public-comment session cited by speakers, but earlier administrative actions and votes prompted the company to file suit, Billings said. Selectmen emphasized they are balancing business needs, public access and safety; they also noted Harbor Committee disagreements over permitting and dock spacing at the Shipyard area.
The town’s next steps include formal legal review, potential budget adjustments to the town’s legal line, and continued engagement with harbor stakeholders to seek a management path that preserves safe access while addressing complaints about private equipment on town property. No scheduling or court-action details were available at the meeting.
The selectmen will consider budget amendments and legal strategy in upcoming sessions and have not yet set a timetable for resolving the dispute.
At a March meeting residents, fish dealers and boat operators told the board the platform is essential to loading and business operations. Speakers including Jim Eaton and Hilton Turner said users routinely clear space to accommodate others, and several said removing the platform would harm local dealers. Opponents raised concerns about blocked access, safety and fairness in how private property and gear had been stored on town property.
Town Manager Billings told the board that the town has been served with a complaint from Sunshine Seafood challenging the selectmen’s actions regarding the platform; board members discussed adding money to the legal budget to cover defense costs. Selectman John Steed estimated legal exposure in the “tens of thousands” and said he would use $25,000–$30,000 as a planning figure; Billings said she had not yet received a formal estimate from the town attorney.
The board did not take a new vote to remove the platform during the public-comment session cited by speakers, but earlier administrative actions and votes prompted the company to file suit, Billings said. Selectmen emphasized they are balancing business needs, public access and safety; they also noted Harbor Committee disagreements over permitting and dock spacing at the Shipyard area.
The town’s next steps include formal legal review, potential budget adjustments to the town’s legal line, and continued engagement with harbor stakeholders to seek a management path that preserves safe access while addressing complaints about private equipment on town property. No scheduling or court-action details were available at the meeting.
The selectmen will consider budget amendments and legal strategy in upcoming sessions and have not yet set a timetable for resolving the dispute.
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