During the Pittsfield Mobile Home Park Rent Control Board meeting held on Thursday, March 7, members gathered to discuss a proposal presented by MH Communities, the owner of Lake Onota Village. The proposal addressed a potential rent increase for all 131 units in the village where current monthly rents for residents range from $330 to $380. Attorney Jeffrey Scrimo conveyed that it has been 12 years since the last rent adjustment for the property.
“We are requesting $153. per month rent increase but spread out over a period of three years. So we are proposing requesting a total increase of $51 per month increase per lot for each year over a three year period.”
MH Communities aims to “bridge the gap between its current rent lot amounts” as outlined in the proposal letter submitted to Justine Dodds, Community Development Director, by Lynch Scrimo Attorneys. Concerns regarding the proposal were voiced by residents, including Kristen Phillips, during the board meeting.
“I mean I had to use everything I had when I moved back home for this house. So now when they increase the rent, I’m going to have nowhere to go because I don’t have that money at the end of the week. Right now, I’m praying to God tonight my check is put in.”
In addition to the rent issue, residents brought up other concerns such as flooding, road conditions especially after snow plowing, and street lighting problems. Ultimately, the board decided to take no immediate action. They expressed the need for a revised proposal that includes a 7% rate of return instead of 13%, a plowing contract, a trash contract, and supporting documentation for miscellaneous expenses before making a final decision.
For more information on the stories you hear, visit pittsfieldtv.org. I’m Zach Bianco for PCTV News.
