Task Force Recommends Continuing Prohibition Of Motorized Vehicles
On Lordship Bluffs
'Protection of this cherished natural community resource is a shared responsibility'
The independent Motorized Vehicle Task Force – charged earlier this year with researching and recommending a solution to the controversial issue of motorized vehicles driving and parking on the Lordship Bluffs – presented its final report and recommendations at the November 19, 2025 public Committees Meeting of the Lordship Improvement Association (LIA) at St. Joseph’s Church of Stratford.
And the report, delivered in a slide show presentation by Task Force co-chair Jon Brody, recommended that the decades-old policy of prohibiting motorized vehicles on the property be continued.
Since 2012, the non-profit LIA has been the trustee and steward
of the Lordship Bluffs and Russian Beach via a 1938 land trust agreement. Despite posted restrictions, in recent years, motorized vehicles have been driven on the Bluffs and parked at the edge of the lawn above Lordship/Russian Beach, leading to concerns about public safety and the effect of this on the environment and scenic view of Long Island Sound.
The LIA Board of Governors will review the Task Force recommendations. The 28-page report is available here: https://bit.ly/MVTaskForceReport
The report is also linked from the top of every page at the LIA’s website, along with the slide presentation.
At the November 19 meeting, Task Force members answered questions and accepted comments.
Some attendees objected to the report’s recommendation, while others welcomed it and praised the Task Force for its thorough review of issues regarding property ownership, the environment, safety, community sentiment, golf cart parking options and Town of Stratford regulations regarding use of golf carts, land use, and right-of-way along Park Boulevard.
The LIA Board as well greatly appreciates the considerable amount of time and expertise that Task Force members contributed in recent months to studying this issue.
TASK FORCE ‘SUMMARY RESPONSE’
The report leads with this summary of findings:
“The Lordship Bluffs, a beautiful and environmentally sensitive area, is officially protected as part of a Town of Stratford resource conservation zone and as a state coastal resource. It is also held in trust for park purposes for the residents of ‘Lordship Manor,’ as evidenced by trust documents and deeds. The protection of this cherished natural community resource is a shared responsibility, falling not only to the town and state but also to the LIA and the entire Lordship community for present and future generations.
“For Lordship golf cart owners, beach access parking is available at Short Beach, Long Beach, and the Seawall. Driving and parking on the Bluffs Lawn is not allowed, as indicated by long-time posted signs prohibiting motorized vehicles and by town golf cart rules. However, some people continue to drive and park their golf carts (and motorcycles) on the Bluffs Lawn. It is the Task Force’s opinion that this behavior negatively impacts a resource set aside for all Lordship residents.
“The Task Force recommends that the LIA maintain its prohibition of all motorized vehicles on the Bluffs Lawn, including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, dirt bikes, go carts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and golf carts, and establish effective enforcement procedures.
“We explored the possibility for limited golf cart parking, such as a designated area for handicapped access. However, even allowing for limited parking would necessitate a legal review by LIA's attorney due to complex legal and logistical factors, including the LIA trust document, land trust status, resource conservation district zoning, and road right-of-way restrictions.”