Cynthia Chamberland: One Cottage Street artists fortunate to have paid low rents for years

The Riverside Industries building at One Cottage Street in Easthampton STAFF PHOTO/ALEXA LEWIS

Published: 07-29-2024 4:54 PM

Modified: 07-29-2024 7:01 PM

I am responding to the One Cottage Street artists’ protests over rent increases. I find their position to be disingenuous. Artists who have rented studios for years pay rent as low as $4.88 per square foot, whereas newer tenants pay $15.

The artists on the low-rent spectrum have been fortunate for years paying modest rent. My understanding of the rent increase is to make all tenant rents equitable, help Riverside Industries make the building operations more sustainable, and ensure that services to Riverside clients are of high quality and meet the changing needs of clients.

The rent increase is a matter of rent equity for all tenants. The artists complaining seem to feel entitled and privileged. Also, it is my understanding that Riverside communicated with tenants on rental increases for some time.

The mission of Riverside Industries is to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their opportunities for acceptance, independence, personal growth and employment throughout their lives. The participants Riverside serves are one of the most marginalized groups in our community. They do not have the same opportunities, privileges or resources of others. Often they are dehumanized and many people look away. The artists attitude is rooted in ableism; discrimination and social prejudice based on the belief that typical abilities are superior.

People need to understand that to maintain the building and grow revenue is critical. Riverside Industries was gifted the 175-year-old building almost 50 years ago. Since then Riverside Industries has grown tremendously. Big budget projects including an energy-efficient boiler and fire safety upgrades are needed. The nonprofit has to cover insurance, payroll, client transportation, electric, water, taxes, trash removal and recycling, landscaping, snow removal and more essentials.

To ensure sustainability, Riverside Industries needs to be a good steward of the building. Tenant rentals are a piece of the budget.

Yes, the artists are part of Easthampton’s revitalization but this should not be at the expense of Riverside’s mission. This campaign targeting the community, city and state officials, business partners and donors is inaccurate and misleading. This puts Riverside Industries’ reputation at risk and could have serious repercussions for state funding and donors.

Cynthia Chamberland

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