Just as Charles Laughton's Quasimodo called for it, now so does the Mineola Conservation Advisory Committee, but the "Sanctuary" these volunteer environmentalists are requesting is one for the birds.

Steve Grosskopf heads the committee, made up of Lisa Cotroneo, Mark Buthorm, Gary Mazur and Rich Forte, which has set its sights on not one but two bird sanctuaries to be maintained in Mineola.

The committee originally requested the five acres of land at Wilson Field, however as the project now stands, the committee must prove its mettle transforming the one and a half acre sump at Mineola Memorial Park into a viable Bird Sanctuary before they can begin work on Wilson Field.

Plans for the current project would make the Mineola Memorial Park Sanctuary an observatory encircled by benches complete with kiosks containing information about the indigenous life.

Furthermore, there would be an open plateau, ideal for artists to get a greater view of the park and its residents such as raccoons, squirrels, frogs, turtles, rabbits, plants and of course birds.

The centerpiece will be the eclectic group of birds (songbirds and bluebirds in particular) the committee hopes to attract to the series of bird houses they will construct at the park.

"By putting the houses in, it will make the sanctuary nicer and inviting so that birds will return," said Grosskopf.

Bird friendly flora and a fountain that utilizes the year round water supply present at the sump prove to be a unique incentive other sanctuaries cannot offer, said Grosskopf.

The committee does not see themselves in competition with other sanctuaries, such as the ones in Garden City, Clark Garden and Hofstra, stating that the sanctuary will only house the birds it is able to house.

"There are birds already there," said Cotroneo, "We are just making it nicer for them."

If the sanctuary becomes too inviting, the birds themselves will maintain the status quo as far as population, fending off too many birds to protect their own nests. "Each bird will take only a certain kind of house," explained Buthorm.

The committee plans to work in conjunction with the 4-H, the schools, the Scouts, the builders club and the key club. "That would be ideal, if they took over," said Grosskopf, "Our job is to be the catalyst just to get it started, then it will take off."

Volunteers and sponsors are still needed. Grosskopf believes both private and commercial groups will prove for a successful result. He gave for example the recent T-shirts sponsored by the Mineola and County Seat Kiwanis Clubs.

"The plan is to take an eyesore and turn it into something of beauty," said Grosskopf, "We are going to return something to the community."

Anyone interested in helping the sanctuary plans come to fruition should call Mineola Village Hall at 746-0750.