To the editor:

Residents of the town of Lakeville recently received estimated property tax bills that sent them to overflow the senior center, spilling out into the lobby in a special assessors meeting to address complaints.

Homeowners along Assawompsett and Long Pond were presented with an estimated tax bill representing an increase of 50% and in some cases 100%. Pointing out that he is restricted from swimming or boating on Assawompsett Pond, one resident disputed the justification in the significant hike. Abatement applications and possible payment plans that were offered as a measure to calm people did little to reassure the crowd. Another person wondered if this was a financial move to cover the $800,000 deficit in the regional school budget.

The recent spate of assaults on homeowners nationwide leaves me speechless.

Predatory homeowner association fees, astronomical water metering fees and other profiteering schemes have brought a new wave of obstacles to a shrinking middle class. It seems the little town of Lakeville has a king sized problem.

Noelle Rilleau, Lakeville