Selectmen back $35,000 economic-resiliency planning and debate short-term rental measures

Stonington selectmen voted to contract for an economic resiliency plan to help the town respond to fisheries decline, workforce pressures and climate-driven changes in downtown and harbor uses.

Town Manager Billings presented a $35,000 proposal from a consultant (Camoin) and the board approved the expenditure to develop a plan that will include stakeholder outreach and scenario planning. Billings argued the consulting work is important because "with the challenges the fishing industry is facing, the COVID market problems and climate change it is really important we figure out some planning and strategies to deal with the downtown and fisheries going forward." The plan will be used to pursue grants and provide a roadmap for local responses.

Separately, the short-term rental (STR) committee delivered recommendations to the board on balancing year-round housing needs with visitor rentals; the board favored creating a registration system with a nominal fee rather than punitive measures for year-round rentals. The board also discussed housing reserves and decided to direct $100,000 from proceeds of tax-acquired property sales into a housing reserve to support planning and potential projects.

What happens next: The consultant-led resiliency plan will proceed with public engagement; the STR committee and town staff will draft registration and fee language for future hearings, and the housing reserve will be reflected in warrant and budget planning.