Stonington approves Harborview lease for outdoor seating after special‑amusement hearing

The Stonington Board of Selectmen voted to approve a lease allowing the Harborview Restaurant to use the front space in front of its deck for outdoor seating if rising COVID‑19 metrics force relocation from their deck. The motion to approve the lease was made by Selectman John Steed, seconded by Selectman John Robbins, and passed 4‑0.

Town Manager Billings opened a public hearing on the Harborview’s Special Amusement permit and said the application was complete, published in the local newspaper of record, and that no comments had been received from the public. Gail Stinson, identified in the meeting as the new owner of the Harborview Restaurant, told the board she hoped to “keep it on the deck” but asked for the option to lease the front space if public‑health conditions required moving seating off the deck.

The board discussed timing and flexibility; Selectman Robbins asked whether the lease could be limited to a June–September window, to which TM Billings responded the board could set whatever increments it preferred. The board voted to approve the lease as requested, with the intention of accommodating the restaurant’s need to pivot seating during the public‑health emergency.

The special‑amusement permit itself was reviewed at the hearing; TM Billings said it was similar to prior permits and that no members of the public called in or submitted comments before the meeting. The board took routine ministerial votes at the meeting to approve minutes and warrants.

Next steps: the Harborview owner will work with town staff to finalize lease paperwork and any specific effective dates; the Selectmen will monitor local COVID conditions and may set or confirm date ranges for temporary outdoor occupancy if needed.