Residents have many questions about potential Parma soccer site

Residents have many questions
about potential Parma soccer site

Just shy of 100 people turned out at the Hilton VFW to listen and react to a presentation on a proposed 25-field youth soccer complex to be located on Parma Center Road across from Bailey Road.

The April 11 meeting drew many residents who questioned the merits of locating a complex of that size in that location.

Meeting organizers, local developer and Greece Cobras Board Member Bernie Iacovangelo said the land, 121 acres donated by Anthony Comporato, will allow a centralized location for the more than 1,000 youth who play Cobras soccer, including many from Parma.

John Meagher, of Parma Center Road, is one resident who is drawing connections between this proposed project and two previous attempts to create similar size complexes in Chili and in Greece.

"This has been tried before with some of the same players," Meagher said.

However, Iacovangelo said this is a totally different type of project. The Chili and Greece complexes were proposed to be county facilities run by a sports authority as tournament sites. Part of the focus with those plans was to provide positive economic development. This proposed complex is to serve as a facility for Greece Cobras Soccer travel teams and maybe other local youth teams.

In addition to the fields, there would be one building to act as a meeting place, bathrooms, parking area and concessions. Iacovangelo said only the building would be lighted.

Other concerns conveyed included traffic congestion, parking, septic, and safety.

Chris Foote lives on Parma Center Road and the proposed complex borders three sides of his property. Foote said he is worried about the further development that may be triggered by this complex.

Foote is taking the lead on forming opposition to the complex. Prior to the meeting he circulated materials to local residents. He is creating a website, circulating a petition, and plans to attend any local meetings where the complex will be discussed.

"I'm not opposed to a soccer complex," Foote said. "I'm opposed to it in this location."

Iacovangelo said he was not surprised by the local reaction. He said people typically support his mission and vision, but don't want the soccer complex located in their backyard.

Iacovangelo said he believes there are a lot of reasons why turning the land into soccer fields will be a good use of the property. Iacovangelo said this plan will preserve the rural character by preserving open space, it will conserve natural resources by not bringing in development, and it will maintain low density by adding only one building on the 121 acres.

Parma Supervisor Rick Lemcke said he is interested in hearing more about the proposal. Iacovangelo has addressed the Parma Zoning and Planning Boards informally, but has not yet made a formal proposal. One potential benefit to the town is that they would not need to continue with current plans to build three additional soccer fields. Lemcke also said more soccer fields answers a need expressed by many community members.

"We have a deep tradition of youth soccer in this community," Lemcke said.

Tom Kadlubowski, village of Hilton resident and long-time soccer coach and referee, is one person who would like to see Iacovangelo's dream come true.

"I think it is good for the community, and I think it is good for the kids," Kadlubowski said. He added that the fields will typically only be occupied May through October and there will even be many hours during that time when the fields aren't in use.

"I'd like to see this given a chance," Kadlubowski said.

If the proposal were to go through, Iacovangelo said it would be the largest youth soccer complex in Western New York.