Stonington Selectmen face lawsuit and budget hit over Fish Pier loading platform dispute

Selectmen and dozens of waterfront users debated whether a loading platform at the Fish Pier should remain, and the disagreement has escalated into legal action that the town is now budgeting for.

The platform—used by seafood dealers and some boat operators for loading and unloading—divided residents and business owners. Supporters, including several dealers and pier users, said the platform is essential to their operations and that users routinely moved gear to allow access. Opponents, including other fishermen and pier neighbors, said the platform stored private trailers and totes on town property and blocked access to hoists and walkways.

The debate played out at length in public comment during the March 1 meeting, where multiple participants described competing needs for limited waterfront space. No Selectmen motion to resolve the issue was taken that night; the minutes record heated discussion and a series of differing recollections of prior Harbor Committee votes.

Town Manager Billings told the board the town had been served with a lawsuit from a dealer (document referenced in later budget discussion). In a subsequent budget session the Selectmen increased the legal-services line to cover anticipated costs; TM Billings estimated legal expenses and the board discussed a working estimate of roughly $25,000–$30,000. At least one Selectman (John Steed) suggested an option of refunding an $11,000 fee to the dealer as a possible way to resolve the dispute, but no final settlement decision was recorded in the minutes.

The dispute raises two recurring issues for the town: (1) how harbor space is allocated and enforced, and (2) the relationship between Selectmen and the Harbor Committee over day‑to‑day pier operations. The Harbor Committee’s earlier vote about the platform was mentioned as contested during the public discussion.

Next steps recorded in the minutes: the TM sought counsel, the Selectmen adjusted the draft budget to increase legal reserves, and the matter remains unresolved pending legal or negotiated resolution.

The Selectmen did not take any final removal or replacement action on the platform in the meetings recorded in these minutes; the board instead focused on legal exposure and budget adjustments.