To the Board of Selectmen:

As a seasonal resident of Onset, It’s disappointing to return for the season and see our town infrastructure is in such poor repair. Roads are full of potholes, streets have not been swept and basic maintenance of our parks and public areas are severely lacking. I realize that the budget is tight and many needed services are being cut dramatically.

However, failing to perform basic services adversely impacts property values, tourism and ultimately the whole town. Seasonal residents pay full time taxes and do not use many traditional services (i.e. schools etc.) I would suggest that many of these residents pay taxes higher than the town average due to their location and assessment. Providing timely, ongoing  maintenance of our roads and public spaces should be a high priority.

Let me point out a few examples in Onset in particular. The waterfront bluff in Onset may be one of the most picturesque vistas on all Cape Cod. There are currently eight or more dead trees on the bluff that have yet to be removed. Additionally the entire bluff is overgrown with weeds severely limiting the view.

The road in front of the main boat ramp in Onset is loaded with potholes. It doesn’t need another patch, it needs to be fixed correctly. Streets need to be swept, barrels need to be re-installed and beaches need to be maintained on a daily basis. The center of Onset is littered with trash. Consider eliminating the sale of scratch tickets and nips to help remedy the situation. Property owners should also be held accountable.

Entering Wareham from Buzzards Bay you immediately are subjected to junk shops and abandoned property. The old Byron’s Landing property is a perfect example. Situated right on the water it has been a vacant weed invested lot for over 30 years. It’s an eyesore and a terrible way to welcome people to our town. There must be some way to insist that the current owners maintain their property.

Neil Sullivan