Selectmen approve two extra Fish Pier buying permits over Harbor Committee objections

At a November meeting, the Town of Stonington Selectmen voted 3‑2 to sell two additional buying permits for the Fish Pier, a decision that drew sharp objections from harbor users and members of the Harbor Committee.

The Harbor Committee had recommended limiting buyers, skiff permits and parking because of congestion and safety concerns. ‘‘What is the point of having the Harbor Committee anymore if you aren't going to listen to them?’’ said Dick Larrabee Jr, speaking during public comment, reflecting the frustration of several fishermen and pier users.

Selectman John Robbins moved to issue the two permits and a motion to approve the permits passed on a 3‑2 tally. After the vote, members of the audience urged the board to return the issue to the Harbor Committee for further study. The board then considered a motion to stay the decision for a month to let the Harbor Committee find ways to add capacity; that motion failed 2‑3.

Supporters of selling the permits argued the pier has multiple buyers and that removing permits could harm lobster buyers’ livelihoods by limiting places to sell catch. Several commercial buyers who spoke to the board said they operate year‑round and cited space and scheduling pressures in the daytime as reasons they needed additional flexibility.

A separate, related vote authorized a $2,500 expenditure to modify Hoist #6 — a contractor recommendation to reduce hoist speed and prevent sudden ‘jumping’ during lifts. Selectmen approved the hoist repair after hearing a technical recommendation and a price quote.

The board and Harbor Committee will continue discussions about ordinance updates and pier management; Harbor Committee members signaled they will press for clearer limits and enforcement mechanisms to manage skiffs, parking and tote storage.

The decision to issue two permits took effect after the vote; no further permitting language or ordinance changes were adopted at that meeting.