Pease board approves one‑year extensions for harbors’ private shacks, launches public study amid business complaints

The Pease Development Authority Board of Directors voted to authorize one‑year extensions of rights of entry for private commercial shacks at Rye and Hampton Harbors and allowed 2023–24 concession holders, under extension, to sell restaurant‑style ready‑to‑eat food for the 2025 season.

Director Sempreni moved the action, taken on the advice of the attorney general’s office and incorporated in the executive director’s memorandum dated March 4, 2025. The motion was seconded and approved by the board. Staff said the step is temporary while pending litigation and a consultant study proceed.

Board members and members of the public pressed for stronger enforcement and longer lease terms. Director LeVitt said rules and fees “have not been followed in some instances” and asked how the authority will ensure fees are collected and contract rules enforced this season. Staff described new documentation and a plan to assign dedicated senior management to the smaller ports to improve billing and enforcement.

Public commenters asked the board to consider multi‑year leases and capital improvements. Adam Baker, introduced by the chair as the first public commenter, said a one‑year contract “doesn’t help” business planning and urged “a minimum of a 10‑year contract” so tenant operators will invest in buildings and improvements. Baker also listed infrastructure needs at Rye Harbor, including accessible restrooms, breakwater repair and parking stabilization.

Another commenter, Jim Fernald, said recent changes and an employment policy affecting commercial‑mooring employees had been implemented without board approval and described those changes as potentially discriminatory. Fernald’s allegation was recorded in public comment and will be part of the record; board members did not take immediate action on that claim during the meeting.

Staff told the board the RISE study has kicked off: the vendor has begun stakeholder interviews, the authority expects to announce at least two public engagement workshops (a morning and an evening session) and will post a project page on the PDA website. Staff said the intent is to gather data and public feedback and return to the board with policy options by late summer so directors can weigh longer‑term leases, enforcement approaches and capital priorities.

The motion to adopt one‑year extensions was framed by board counsel and executed with the stated goal of preserving existing business operations while producing a recommended policy that may allow longer terms after litigation and study are resolved.