Residents Organize Against Rent Increases

The town of Beacon Falls, in the Naugatuck River Valley with 6,100 residents, is facing an intense rent and class struggle. In 2019 Athena Real Estate of Orlando, Florida, purchased River’s Edge Mobile Home Park. A majority of the park's residents are on fixed incomes including a number of senior citizens and those on disability.

In July, 2022 the private real estate investment firm raised mobile home fees for the third time since its takeover. Renters say the firm made no improvements while needs persist to repair septic and water pressure issues, paved roads and installation of back lighting.

River’s Edge resident Collen Dana purchased her home in 2017 to ensure affordable housing while on disability. Connecticut doesn’t permit rent control ordinances. However, municipalities of 25,000 or more are required to establish a Fair Rent Commission. In a small town like Beacon Falls, residents are permitted to submit a petition for a commission to allow residents to present grievances.

In August 2022, Dana and a dozen others presented the Board of Selectmen with a petition of 39 residents calling for a commission. In late November, the Board of Selectmen held the public hearing on an ordinance establishing a Fair Rent Commission with First Selectman Gerald Smith presiding and State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D) in attendance.

Prior to the town vote Smith, a former corporate realtor and bank administrator, denounced media reports of the rent struggle and warned citizens of tax increases the commission could cost the town.

Residents shared their fears of being displaced from their community, the absence of alternatives for senior housing and often feeling alienated by the faceless, out of state corporate firm.

Other town members in attendance who opposed the commission spoke about fears it would generate a tax increase and impact landlords. The proposal to establish the commission was voted down 78 to 39. While renters were disappointed, the struggle continues.

Renters across Connecticut are calling on the State Legislature to pass a law to place a cap on annual rent increases. Senator Cabrera agreed to meet with residents and the Connecticut Manufactured Homeowners Alliance to discuss pushing ahead at the state level to protect renters and mobile home owners.

This exploitation can be combated through the organization of renters, unions, and other allies. This initial awakening will go as far as the depths of grassroots class consciousness will take it.