Plans are in the process of being developed which will convert the old sump located across from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Massapequa into a recreation area.

The plans call for the sump to be cleaned out and for a soccer field with off-street parking for approximately 25 vehicles. The current trees and plantings that shield the area from the roadway and homes will be maintained under the proposal, and the new on-site parking is intended to prevent congestion on residential streets.

The site, which is one of Nassau County's many drainage sumps, is currently neglected and not very well maintained. According to Legislator Peter Schmitt, the Massapequa Soccer Club will maintain the field once the county builds it.

Schmitt proposed the idea and presented it to local civic and soccer organizations. "Working with the leadership of the Massapequa Soccer Club, we have developed a concept that will help to fill the desperate need for more soccer fields for the use of our kids," said Schmitt.

He added that the plans would "prevent the deterioration of the sump area and minimize the impact on the surrounding community."

According to Emil Coppola, president of the Pepper Circle Civic Association, the closest civic group to the project, said "everybody in the civic association voted on it and the vote was unanimous in favor of the project."

"I'm very pleased to have the support of the Massapequa Soccer Club," said Schmitt, "and that the Pepper Circle Civic Association has endorsed my plan."

"Right now it's just a big hole in the ground that really isn't cared for, " said Coppola. "They're overgrown with weeds and trees that are of no use and it's a hiding place for kids."

Schmitt added that the sump has been used for "vandalism and other disturbing activities."

"It's only a place for kids to use drugs," said Coppola.

Schmitt will be meeting with members of the community to discuss the plans on Tuesday March 31 at the Marjorie Post Park Community Center at 7:30 pm. All members of the community are invited to add their input in the process.