Many people have opinions about the future of Wareham’s Main Street, and the ongoing streetscape improvements have prompted many to voice those opinions. 

That’s a good sign, because it means people care about the health of Wareham Village.  We believe a vibrant and attractive village center contributes to the vitality of the community as a whole, by attracting tourists, small businesses, and services for our residents.

Difficult economic conditions, construction delays, and other everyday nuisances are valid reasons to support Main Street businesses. We ask you to resist the temptation to use nuisances as a reason to avoid Main Street.

If Main Street and Wareham Village are important to you, find a reason to learn more about one of its businesses.  Resolve to make a purchase, whether it is services or goods, from a Main Street business.  If you find you can’t do that, share a suggestion directly with a business owner about how their business might better serve you. 

Debate is healthy and important.  But we hope people understand that when they threaten to avoid Main Street, they’re hurting their friends and neighbors who own or work at small businesses there.  When you choose to shop or dine elsewhere in order to “send a message” about the streetscape project, those businesses are the only ones who get the message.

Have an idea to help a Main Street business?  Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/warehamvillage.  Have an idea about the streetscape plans?  Then make it a point to attend the final workshop Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Town Hall Auditorium, 54 Marion Road.