Stonington moves toward STR registration and funds $35,000 resiliency plan to study housing and fisheries impacts

The Selectmen heard a multi‑member short‑term rental (STR) committee present recommendations aimed at balancing year‑round housing needs with tourism demand. Committee members summarized other towns’ approaches and recommended a registration and fee structure rather than an outright ban on short‑term rentals; the board asked staff to proceed with drafting ordinance language and fee proposals.

Separately, the board voted to approve a $35,000 economic resiliency plan contract to examine downtown and fisheries‑related economic stressors and to recommend projects and grant strategies. Town Manager Billings and Linda Nelson (economic development staff) framed the plan as a response to pandemic disruptions, supply‑chain pressures and the fishing industry’s regulatory challenges.

Why it matters: STR policy and a resiliency plan have direct implications for housing supply, seasonal rental patterns and how the town allocates limited planning resources and grant‑seeking capacity.

What happened next: The Selectmen directed staff and the STR committee to work on draft ordinances/registration and authorized the resiliency planning contract; next steps include public hearings and planning‑board review.

Ending: The board’s actions set a clear path for draft STR rules and a consultant‑led resiliency study to guide near‑term planning decisions.