Selectmen approve two additional buyer permits amid heated debate over Pier capacity and hoist fixes

The Stonington Board of Selectmen approved selling two additional buying permits for the town Fish Pier amid objections from the Harbor Committee and public users, and authorized emergency work on a hoist the town says is operating too rapidly.

The permit vote began after buyers asked for the right to operate on the Pier. Selectman John Robbins moved to issue two buying permits and John Steed seconded; the motion passed by recorded voice vote 3–2. Several residents and business owners told the board adding buyers would worsen congestion on skiff storage, parking and hoist access at the pier.

Why it mattered: The Pier is a working facility with limited space and several competing uses. Harbor Committee members and commercial users told the board they fear additional buyers would intensify congestion during peak lobster and processing hours and could reduce safe access to hoists.

Board members and staff also discussed immediate equipment repairs. The town manager described repeated problems with hoist #6, citing vendor recommendations to add a reduction tank to slow hoist speed and reduce wear; the board approved a $2,500 expenditure to pursue that fix. Selectmen said additional decking and float maintenance remain on a longer timetable.

What supporters said: Proponents of new permits argued the permits support working buyers and local commerce and that hoist and pier maintenance could be scheduled to reduce operational disruption. Selectman John Robbins argued the town could manage capacity while allowing additional buyers to operate.

What opponents said: Harbor Committee advocates and several commercial users told the board that parking, skiff storage and crowding are already at or near capacity. One resident asked why the Harbor Committee’s recommendations were not being followed before issuing more permits.

Next steps: The Selectmen directed staff to continue coordinating with the Harbor Committee on ordinance updates, to prioritize safety repairs on decking and floats and to return with a plan for broader Pier repairs and revenue adjustments, including fuel and parking fees.