Sunshine Seafood sues over Fish Pier access as Selectmen add legal funds to budget
June 22, 2026 | Stonington, Hancock County, Maine
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Sunshine Seafood has filed a lawsuit related to recent Selectmen and Harbor Committee actions concerning a loading platform at the Stonington Fish Pier, a dispute that town leaders say has prompted an immediate increase to the town's legal budget.
The issue surfaced during multiple Selectmen meetings in January and March, when waterfront users and dealers clashed over whether the platform — used by some dealers for loading and unloading — should remain. Supporters said the platform is essential to day-to-day operations; others, including some Selectmen, said personal property and equipment stored there blocked access and raised safety concerns. Town Manager (TM) Billings told the board the town recently received suit documents from Sunshine Seafood over votes related to the platform.
Why this matters: Pier access affects dozens of boats and local seafood dealers whose livelihoods rely on waterfront operations. The Selectmen told staff to treat the legal matter as a priority and to prepare for potential legal costs that could affect other budget items.
Board members described a contentious local debate. At a public session, proponents said the platform facilitated efficient offloading and contributed to the harbor economy; opponents cited blocked access, crowding and the need to preserve general waterfront use. The Selectmen did not record a decisive motion to remove the platform during the cited public meeting; at least one prior Harbor Committee vote on the matter was referenced by participants as part of the dispute.
The budget impact: During a January budget session, board members and the town manager discussed increasing the town’s legal line. TM Billings estimated a legal expense “around $25,000,” while Selectman John Steed referenced an estimate closer to $30,000; the board adjusted the draft budget to reflect higher anticipated legal costs. The town has not yet released a formal billing estimate from its attorney.
Next steps: The Selectmen said they will await attorney guidance and the court schedule. Any town expenditures tied to a property purchase, pier changes or settlement would likely appear on future warrants or at town meeting depending on legal and procedural requirements.
The issue surfaced during multiple Selectmen meetings in January and March, when waterfront users and dealers clashed over whether the platform — used by some dealers for loading and unloading — should remain. Supporters said the platform is essential to day-to-day operations; others, including some Selectmen, said personal property and equipment stored there blocked access and raised safety concerns. Town Manager (TM) Billings told the board the town recently received suit documents from Sunshine Seafood over votes related to the platform.
Why this matters: Pier access affects dozens of boats and local seafood dealers whose livelihoods rely on waterfront operations. The Selectmen told staff to treat the legal matter as a priority and to prepare for potential legal costs that could affect other budget items.
Board members described a contentious local debate. At a public session, proponents said the platform facilitated efficient offloading and contributed to the harbor economy; opponents cited blocked access, crowding and the need to preserve general waterfront use. The Selectmen did not record a decisive motion to remove the platform during the cited public meeting; at least one prior Harbor Committee vote on the matter was referenced by participants as part of the dispute.
The budget impact: During a January budget session, board members and the town manager discussed increasing the town’s legal line. TM Billings estimated a legal expense “around $25,000,” while Selectman John Steed referenced an estimate closer to $30,000; the board adjusted the draft budget to reflect higher anticipated legal costs. The town has not yet released a formal billing estimate from its attorney.
Next steps: The Selectmen said they will await attorney guidance and the court schedule. Any town expenditures tied to a property purchase, pier changes or settlement would likely appear on future warrants or at town meeting depending on legal and procedural requirements.
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