EASTHAMPTON — In a nearly four-hour, and at times contentious, meeting on June 25, the Easthampton City Council voted in favor of a non-binding resolution in support of affordable workspace for artists.
Nearly two dozen people spoke both in support of the artists at One Cottage Street and in favor of Riverside Industries who owns the building and intends to raise rent rates for artists on Sept. 1. According to the artists who spoke, those rent increases will range from 33% to 150% per month.
Representatives from Riverside Industries explained that many artists who have been there for decades currently pay well below market rate, some at $5 per square foot, which isn’t sustainable for the owners. They also noted that new lessees have been paying between $12 and $15 per square foot since 2018. The new rate would be $15 per square foot for everyone.
Several artists noted that they value the work Riverside Industries does for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but they have been disheartened by what several called a lack of transparency and unwillingness to compromise from Riverside Industries. Several artists said that they have asked for a meeting with Riverside Industries multiple times but have been rebuffed each time.
Lynn Ireland, president and CEO of Riverside Industries, conceded this point, noting that her responsibility is to the mission of Riverside Industries and that she has to ensure “fiscal responsibility.” Ireland also noted that the business has an obligation to its 140 employees, 98 of whom are Easthampton residents. Calling herself the “villain in the room,” she said it “can’t be on the back of clients to support artists.”
Markus Jones, senior director for development and strategic operations for Riverside Industries, said that the business cannot put “the [artists’] desire for below-market rates above the clients.” He added that none of these decisions were made in haste but as part of a strategic plan for improvements in the old building.
Jones also said that he felt some of the things said by the artists were “meant to harm Riverside’s reputation.”
Many artists spoke emotionally of their fears for the future of their businesses, saying that they cannot easily move large equipment to a new location, that new locations aren’t easy to find and that the large rent increase isn’t feasible for their business.
Janna Ugone, who said she’s been at One Cottage Street since 1987, fears for the future of her 10 employees and for her business.
Before their unanimous vote in favor of a resolution supporting affordable rates for artists, several councilors voiced concerns that this situation has become an “us versus them” situation.
Councilor Koni Denham noted her heartbreak for both the artists and Riverside’s clients and staff and expressed a “desire to work together.” Councilor Brad Riley noted that everyone needs to take care of their finances, but voiced concerns that Riverside Industries is using its power and disappointment about the business’s refusal to collaborate.
Councilor Thomas Peake expressed frustration this is a “real issue and all we can do is a nonbinding resolution.”
“This is becoming a city for rich people,” said Peake.
