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Long-running dispute over Fish Pier platform prompts lawsuit and budget discussion
Summary
The Selectmen recorded continued debate over an older platform at the Fish Pier used by dealers and fishermen. Town Manager Billings said Sunshine Seafood served the town with a lawsuit over the platform; the board discussed adding legal funds to the budget and exploring purchase-and-sale or settlement options.
A prolonged dispute over an older loading platform at Stonington’s Fish Pier surfaced repeatedly in Selectmen meetings this winter and spring and has advanced to litigation, town officials told the Selectmen.
Town Manager Billings informed the board that Sunshine Seafood has served the town with a lawsuit related to the platform and that the town should consider raising its legal budget to cover legal expenses. Board members discussed estimates for potential attorney costs; one Selectman described a back-of-envelope estimate of roughly $25,000 to $30,000 and suggested settlement options, including returning $11,000 to the business as a way to resolve the dispute.
The platform has divided waterfront users: dealers and some fishermen said it helps load product and supports operations, while others said the platform and stored personal property have impeded access, parking and safety at peak times. At public comment sessions multiple speakers urged the board either to retain the platform for commercial use or to remove personal property and restore open access.
The Selectmen have taken procedural steps on related items: the board has discussed directing the Town Manager to pursue purchase-and-sale agreements for adjacent properties for long‑term economic planning and has increased the town’s legal-line funding in budget work sessions to reflect the pending litigation. No final settlement or court outcome is recorded in the meeting record; the Selectmen directed staff to work with legal counsel and return with cost estimates and options.
The town will report back to the Selectmen with more precise legal estimates and potential settlement language at a future meeting. Discussion about pier permits, Harbor Committee approvals and operational rules for moorings and docks remains ongoing.
