Stonington approves Harborview special-amusement application and temporary lease for outdoor seating

At a public hearing April 19, Stonington selectmen approved a Special Amusement application for the Harbor View and voted to allow the restaurant owner to lease the front space in front of the deck for outdoor seating if COVID-19 conditions require moving patron seating.

Town Manager Billings told the board the application was complete and had been advertised without receiving public comment. Gail Stinson, identified in the record as the new owner of the Harborview Restaurant, said she intended to continue using the deck for seating if public-health conditions allowed but asked permission to lease the front space as a contingent measure "in case of COVID numbers" rising; "she was hoping to keep it on the deck," the record shows.

Selectman John Steed made the motion to approve the lease space and John Robbins seconded; the board voted 4-0 in favor. The TM noted the board could set seasonal increments for such leases (board discussed June through September as an example).

The approval followed routine meeting business that included routine minutes and warrant approvals. The board recorded the lease motion and the vote; the town will proceed to finalize lease terms consistent with any town policies and any limits the board sets on timeframes or conditions for use.