I would like to add my support to the residents of Lynne Road and their efforts to block the conversion of a single-family home into a group home business.

I came to Wareham and invested my life savings into buying a home here. I took a financial gamble given the depressed property market but I was attracted by the natural beauty of the area.

My property has diminished in value. In terms of property taxes, I don't have children and I don't break the law, but a significant portion of my tax dollars are going to fund services for those who do. I'm not sure what I'm getting out of my considerable financial investment although I admit that the streets have been cleaned more this year than in previous years.

There is a lot of lip service given to ways to encourage industry and boost income for the town, but what about making Wareham a more desirable place to live?

By desirable, I mean attracting people who choose to live and invest in Wareham and who demonstrate care and pride of ownership. It is generally lacking, evidenced by poorly-maintained properties and trash everywhere.

Diminishing property values have made Wareham a magnet for entrepreneurs who have discovered they can turn single-family homes into rental properties or rooming houses and make a fortune doing so. When the reason to come to Wareham is based on cheap rent rather than an active desire to become part of and contribute to the community,  it's unrealistic to expect either a meaningful commitment or much in terms of "giving back" to the town. Every town depends on this in order to thrive.

Wareham has yet to endorse the idea that the only way the town will improve is by attracting homeowners who occupy their properties, demonstrating both an emotional and financial commitment. Until that happens, nothing will change

The homeowners of Lynne Road have every right to protect their investment and I wish them success. I hope this will lead to changes in Wareham because homeowners have rights too. I feel as though that has long been forgotten.

Thank you.

Karen Spinks

Smith Avenue, Wareham