Motorized Vehicle Policy For The Bluffs
For Safety And Environment, Extended Railing Will Block Vehicle Access
Scenic Lordship Bluffs, overlooking Long Island Sound.
Signs clearly state policy for safety and environment.
ATV tires recently gouged the Bluffs lawn.
(July 22, 2024) – In an effort to maintain the beauty of the Lordship Bluffs and the safety of residents who enjoy this scenic park overlooking Long Island Sound, the Lordship Improvement Association’s (LIA) Board of Governors announces that the LIA will reduce the size of openings at the park’s entrance areas and will extend the boundary of railings.
When completed, the project will block the access of motorized vehicles to the portion of the Bluffs that is private property held in a land trust by the LIA for the enjoyment of Lordship residents.
This area runs along Park Boulevard from Lordship Road to Spruce Street, and to the edge of the grassy Bluffs. Exceptions will be for vehicle use during authorized contracted services and events.
The Board notes that as trustee of this property, the LIA is responsible for protecting the grassy lawn, nature habitat and beach, plus enhancing the park’s beauty and ensuring a safe environment for residents to enjoy.
REQUESTED BY LIA MEMBERS
LIA signs in the area state that motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Bluffs, and many LIA members have requested strict enforcement of this rule.
Vehicles have been observed at speeds that are unsafe to pedestrians and causing damage to the turf. A recent incident involving ATV tires that deeply gouged the lawn became a police action.
Additional considerations are that the weight of numerous vehicles that travel the lawn - and those parking close to the edge of the Bluffs - harm the lawn and contribute to erosion. And the LIA’s insurance policy covers passive recreational pursuits, but not matters involving motorized vehicles.
COOPERATION APPRECIATED
The Board recognizes the long-time convenience of parking golf carts close to the Bluffs edge to access Russian Beach.
But for the reasons cited above, the LIA also appreciates the community’s understanding of this action, and cooperation in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all residents on the Bluffs.
LIA BOARD OF GOVERNORS RESPONDS TO COMMENTS
ABOUT LORDSHIP BLUFFS MOTORIZED VEHICLE POLICY
(July 25, 2024) - The policy is NOT new, it is simply being enforced.
At the 2023 Lordship Improvement Association’s annual meeting, the community brought to the board’s attention that golf cart use was detracting from enjoyment of the Lordship Bluffs. The board responded that, with signs posted (for over ten years) at the entrances, we could rely on community cooperation without involving law enforcement or modifying the rail fence. Since that time, golf cart use of the Bluffs has continued to increase, and LIA members have requested increased enforcement. At the 2024 annual meeting, the board presented its plan to reconfigure the rail fence, including budgetary allocation. There was NO opposition voiced at that meeting.
The board appreciates concern expressed for the mobility challenged. To that end, the entrance at the foot of Lordship Road was specifically designed for wheelchair access.
The LIA Board acknowledges the frustration of golf cart owners who are not allowed, by long-standing policy, to park on the Bluffs. Until the Town passed an ordinance permitting golf carts on Town streets in 2021, Lordship residents carried their chairs and coolers to Russian Beach, without issue. The parking lots at Long and Short Beach remain available for golf carts to bring beach gear. Also, golf carts can be used to bring beach gear to Russian Beach: they just may not be driven and parked on the Bluffs.
The erosion at the edge of the Bluffs is a serious environmental concern, because at times, 20+ golf carts are on the Bluffs. The damage to the turf aggravates the erosion and contributes to Bluffs’ deterioration. Also, LIA insurance is underwritten for passive use of a land conservancy, not for motorized vehicles.
Of note, other actions by the LIA to protect and beautify the land trust of the Bluffs include reducing the number of events on the property, creating a pollinator garden, annual flailing to facilitate water views, removal of invasive plants, setting up birdhouses, enlisting a consultant to inventory trees and plants so a strategic plan can be developed, spreading wood chips on paths, and weekly mowing and maintenance of the main path.
Please consider that the inconvenience of carrying chairs to the beach is for the protection and safety of this beautiful natural habitat that is valued by so many, and which should be preserved for future generations. The board deeply appreciates everyone who lives in and loves our community. We value your understanding in complying with the enforcement of our long-standing policy.
With appreciation, the LIA Board of Governors.
Susan Birge, Hans Drenkard, John Florian, Jane Scofield, Emily Viner, and Jim Warren