The artists at Cottage Street Studios in Easthampton have been trying to negotiate a reasonable rental agreement with Riverside Industries for months now. Riverside has refused to meet with us. We have met with Easthampton City Council and they are sympathetic to our needs.

I got a 21-page lease yesterday from NAI Plotkin, the new management for Riverside Industries. The language is severe and the choices we have are to stay for a three-year commitment with a substantial rate hike and many restrictions, or give notice and leave in 60 days.

I will not sign this lease. I woke up and started crying this morning as I have loved having my studio and the feeling of freedom in the safe walls of Cottage Street Studios for the last nine years. Now a corporate takeover is happening. Riverside owns the building and the new regime has no compassion or respect for what has been a cooperative relationship for 40-plus years in the floors above Riverside, Cottage Street Studios.

I have a glimmer of hope that the damage control for Riverside’s reputation may have some influence or some unexpected change from Riverside. The city of Easthampton has been so supportive of the artists and their important place in the Easthampton Cultural District. Riverside Industries CEO Lynn Ireland talks about her compassion for the clients at Riverside. I have found it hard to understand how someone can have compassion for one group and not the other.

Compassion is something you have and give freely. It is not a measured out commodity for some and not all.

Andrea Zax

Easthampton