Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pier topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selectmen approve two pier buying permits over Harbor Committee objections
Summary
After heated debate about congestion and harbor capacity, Stonington selectmen voted 3-2 to issue two buying permits for the town pier; a later motion to stay the decision failed 2-3. Harbor Committee members and local buyers objected, citing safety, parking and committee recommendations.
Stonington selectmen voted 3-2 on Nov. 9, 2020, to issue two buying permits for the town pier despite objections from the Harbor Committee and several fishermen.
The motion to sell the permits was made by Selectman John Robbins and seconded by John Steed; Selectman Donna Brewer joined Robbins and Steed in voting to approve, while Selectmen Evelyn Duncan and Travis Fifield voted no. After the vote, a motion by Steed to delay (stay) the decision for a month to allow the Harbor Committee to develop options failed on a 2-3 vote (Duncan and Steed in favor; Brewer, Robbins and Fifield opposed).
Opponents at the meeting said the pier is at capacity and additional buyers would worsen congestion. Harbor Committee members and fishermen described full parking, limited hoist access, and safety concerns: Marsden Brewer and Dick Larrabee Jr. told the board the existing layout blocks hoists and creates congestion during peak use. Lobster buyer Bill Damon said daytime operations are already “very busy” and that adding buyers would affect his year-round business and employees.
Supporters argued there is space and that some current structures or trailers could be removed to create room. Robbins proposed selling two permits to specific applicants; the board voted to proceed.
The vote prompted audible audience upset and calls to send the issue back to the Harbor Committee. The record shows the board considered the Harbor Committee’s prior recommendations but chose to act. No formal amendment or additional conditions were recorded alongside the sale.
The selectmen also discussed related harbor maintenance and safety work at the meeting; earlier in June the board authorized the Harbor Committee to sell excess hoists and cameras and to purchase a cage/forklift trailer to improve pier operations.
The decision stands unless the selectmen formally revisit it; several members of the public asked for a Harbor Committee review and further study of pier capacity and ordinance changes.
