Residents and commission debate safety fixes, preservation at Lord’s Prayer Rock

The Conservation Commission presented a draft management plan for Lord’s Prayer Rock, a one-acre parcel beside the New Haven River at 125 East Street. Kristen Underwood described the site as a wildlife corridor acquired in 1941 and noted historical flooding (1938, 1998), current use as a small picnic and observation area, and recurring issues with trash, after-hours camping, and roadside safety. The Commission recommended consistent park signage (dawn-to-dusk and no overnight camping) across town-managed parks.

Nearby resident Jessica Teets questioned the oversized parking pull-out and its effect on perception of the site as parkland, while public commenter Louise Kilbourn-Brynn raised road-safety concerns and asked whether the Board would act. Suggestions from the public ranged from additional signage and moving the reduced-speed blinking sign earlier, to cutting the rock at road level with a wire saw and relocating it about ten feet to improve sightlines. Commenters split between preserving the rock as a local landmark and making changes for safety; the Chair emphasized the evening’s purpose was review of the draft plan, not settling immediate roadway alterations.