Fish Pier Platform Dispute Spurs Lawsuit and Prompts Legal Budget Increase

A long-running dispute over a platform at Stonington’s Fish Pier prompted public testimony at multiple meetings and a legal filing by Sunshine Seafood, leading the Selectmen to increase the town’s legal budget to cover anticipated litigation costs.

At meetings between March and April community members, pier users and commercial dealers debated whether a platform and personal property stored at the pier impede operations, hoists and access. Several speakers, including fishermen and pier users, argued the platform assists loading and that parties have historically coexisted. Other speakers and board members said the platform and associated trailers and totes have at times blocked town operational needs. The March 1 meeting featured many participants, and no board motion to resolve the dispute was reached that night.

Town Manager Billings later notified the board that Sunshine Seafood had served the town with a lawsuit related to votes concerning removal of the platform. During budget deliberations, Selectman John Steed estimated the town’s legal exposure and proposed increasing the legal budget; board members discussed figures roughly in the $25,000–$30,000 range to cover legal counsel. The board adjusted the budget line and reserves during their budget work session.

Board members framed the matter as an operational and property-rights dispute: some argued for removal of personal property that obstructs town access, while others emphasized that platform access supports livelihoods and loading needs. TM Billings and members noted attempts to communicate with Sunshine Seafood before litigation but said engagement with the company had been limited.

The town has not issued a final operational order to remove the platform in the transcripted meetings; instead the record shows debate, a legal response from the company, and board budget action to prepare for litigation. Selectmen emphasized that ensuring safe and functional pier operations for the broader fleet remains a priority while legal counsel reviews the dispute.

The Selectmen’s budget updates making room for legal expenses were procedural actions tied to the town’s fiscal year planning; any final resolution of the platform’s status will depend on legal counsel recommendations and possible further Selectmen action.