Selectmen spar over pier buyer permits as pier repairs and hoist work move forward

The Stonington Board of Selectmen voted to issue two commercial buyer permits for the town pier after a heated discussion with fishermen and residents who said the pier is already at capacity.

John Robbins moved to sell two buying permits and John Steed seconded the motion; the motion passed 3-2 after public commenters and several Selectmen warned the pier is congested and the Harbor Committee’s capacity concerns had not been resolved. Opponents—including resident Dick Larrabee Jr. and Bill Damon—argued the pier’s hoists, skiff capacity and parking are already strained, while supporters said the additional buyers are needed for local fish buyers.

The debate followed multiple Harbor Committee briefings and repeated public comments about hoist safety and dock congestion. Selectmen heard that hoist #6 “jumps” during operation and that a reduction tank recommended by contractor Stanley Leighton could slow the hoist and reduce wear. The board approved up to $2,500 to add the reduction tank for hoist #6.

Separately, the board considered larger pier repairs funded in part by a SHIP/MDOT grant. The Town Manager reported the engineer’s bid review and recommended accepting the low bidder. The board voted to accept the low bid from Skip Eaton to perform the pier project under the SHIP grant.

Why it matters: The pier is a central working waterfront and disputes over capacity, buyers’ permits and safety repairs affect livelihoods, public access and long-term pier maintenance. Approving permits while authorizing repairs shifts short-term operational choices into the long-term management and ordinance work the Harbor Committee and Selectmen said they will pursue.

What’s next: Selectmen directed harbor staff and committee members to draft ordinance changes and to continue work on pier capacity, hoist safety and parking plans. No ordinance vote was taken at the meeting; the board signaled it wants the Harbor Committee to develop recommended rule changes for future consideration.

Attribution: John Robbins moved the buyer-permit motion; John Steed seconded. Residents who spoke included Dick Larrabee Jr. and Bill Damon. Town Manager Kathleen Billings presented the engineer’s recommendation for the pier bid and briefed the board on the hoist recommendation.