• Two mobile home parks in Berkshire County (Lake Onota Village in Pittsfield and Residences on Mill Pond in West Stockbridge) faced massive proposed rent increases (up to 230%).

• These increases threatened to displace many residents, including a significant portion of West Stockbridge’s population.

• BIO’s Housing Campaign quickly mobilized, researched the issue, and connected with residents to organize a response.

• Massachusetts generally banned rent control in 1994, but mobile home parks are an exception, with local Rent Control Boards able to approve or deny rent increases.

• BIO and residents advocated before these boards, emphasizing the importance of rent control in preventing displacement and preserving affordable, unsubsidized housing.

• Results:

  • Lake Onota Village: Proposed 55–64% increase reduced to a modest 7% (first increase in 12 years).

  • Mill Pond: Proposed 230% increase denied; only a $1.44/month increase approved.

• The campaign demonstrated that rent control works and highlighted the critical role of mobile home parks as affordable housing.

• The results show the importance of coordination and cooperation with other groups to affect meaningful outcomes.  This has been a focus for BIO in 2025 and we plan to continue with this successful approach in 2026.

After successfully blocking two ordinances that would have criminalized homelessness, BIO—working with our partners in the Homes Not Handcuffs coalition, of which we are a proud member—is focused on shaping an effective, humane response to the rise in homelessness across the Berkshires. Grounded in evidence and aimed at long-term solutions, we are collaborating with stakeholders—people with lived experience, service providers, faith communities, and local officials to strengthen an effective model of intervention, crisis prevention, and accountability.

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We are also examining how zoning reform and tenant organizing can increase housing and stabilize renters countywide

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