Sunshine Seafood sues Stonington over Fish Pier platform; selectmen prepare for legal costs

Sunshine Seafood has filed a lawsuit against the town of Stonington over steps taken this spring related to a platform at the Fish Pier, Town Manager Billings told the selectmen.

The dispute centers on a platform and associated equipment at the municipal pier that users and dealers have relied on for loading and sales. At meetings this winter and spring, fishermen, dealers and residents gave conflicting accounts: dealers said the platform supports essential loading operations, while other users and some selectmen said personal property on town pier space has blocked access and raised safety concerns.

Town Manager Billings said the town has been served with litigation and advised the board to increase the legal line in the draft budget to cover potential costs. Board members discussed cost estimates in the $25,000–$30,000 range and debated options raised during budget work, including the suggestion by one member to return $11,000 to Sunshine Seafood as a settlement idea offered in discussion.

The Fish Pier disagreement has roots in a Harbor Committee vote and subsequent selectmen actions that some participants say were inconsistent. At March and April meetings, multiple harbor users — including local dealers and boat owners — described days when the platform was heavily used and disputed whether removal or heavy regulation would harm marina operations.

Selectmen described outreach attempts to the business; Town Manager Billings said Sunshine Seafood had not engaged constructively despite outreach from the manager and board members. The selectmen did not record a new vote to remove or restore the platform at the meeting where public comment occurred; the litigation appears to follow earlier committee and board actions.

Next steps are expected to be procedural and legal: the town will respond to the suit and the selectmen have increased the budgeted legal line while the manager secures legal advice. No court date or settlement has been reported in the meeting record.