Board approves two new buying permits for Fish Pier over Harbor Committee objections

The Stonington Board of Selectmen voted 3-2 to grant two additional buying permits for commercial use of the town Fish Pier, a decision that drew sharp criticism from Harbor Committee members and several people who spoke at the meeting.

John Robbins moved to issue two buyer permits for use of the Pier; John Steed seconded the motion and the board approved it with Donna Brewer, John Robbins and Travis Fifield voting in favor and Evelyn Duncan and John Steed opposed. The vote followed a lengthy public exchange about capacity, congestion and safety on the Pier.

Harbor Committee members and fishery stakeholders said the decision ignored recent Harbor Committee recommendations intended to limit congestion and prioritize existing buyers. “What is the point of having the Harbor Committee anymore if you aren't going to listen to them,” said Dick Larrabee Jr during public comment. Several audience members asked that the board return the question to the Harbor Committee for further study.

Other fishermen said adding buyers would complicate hoist access and parking. Bill Damon, who described himself as working “mostly at night to stay out of the way,” warned the new permits would affect his crew and the daily operations of boats that sell to him.

A subsequent motion to postpone the decision for a month—to let the Harbor Committee seek solutions—failed after a 2-3 vote, leaving the original permit sale in place. The board did not adopt any additional restrictions as part of the permit authorization; the Harbor Committee and selectmen indicated they would continue discussions about ordinance changes and capacity planning.

The board’s action is administrative; no state statute or ordinance amendment was passed at the meeting. Residents seeking further review were told to follow Harbor Committee meeting notices for ongoing work on updated pier ordinances.