Our Story
The Northern Berkshires Community Land Trust was started by community members throughout Northern Berkshire county who are invested in the value of community-ownership of property.
Our effort started in 2024, growing out of conversations around kitchen tables in North Adams.
NBCLT was created with the guidance and support of Berkshire Community Land Trust, which operates in southern Berkshire county.
Berkshire Community Land Trust is acting as NBCLT’s fiscal sponsor, while NBCLT seeks its own non-profit status.
Who We Are
Lillian Zavatsky
Board President
North Adams, MA
I am driven by the belief that housing should be easy. I was raised in South Florida, came to the Berkshires for college, married someone from Clarksburg, and came back to be close to our family here. I’ve spent the last few years working in Human Services- first as an EMT and now as a Housing Coordinator. I am also a newly-elected North Adams City Councilor. Abundant housing that is affordable would make it easier for young people to stay in this area, and easier for all of us to lead fulfilling lives.
When I’m not doing housing, I enjoy flipping around in my adult gymnastics class or making things with my sewing machine or knitting needles.
Cody Chamberlain
Board Treasurer
North Adams, MA
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Robin Sears
Board Clerk
North Adams, MA
I bring an interest in land conservation and housing affordability, and I bring technical knowledge of land acquisition and leasing to this board. I currently serve as executive director of the local land conservation trust, Williamstown Rural Lands. I also bring first-hand knowledge of the importance of affordable housing for low- and middle-income families, and the challenges homeowners face in bringing old houses into service. I am renovating a 1870s Italianate duplex on Brooklyn Street in North Adams, just down the block from a community-owned house dedicated to families with adult children with special needs.
Heleny Cook
Board Member
Williamstown, MA
I was born and raised in Williamstown on a farm that once supplied Williams college with eggs. I was lucky enough to return in my retirement.
Williamstown is very different than it used to be. There are very few “starter homes” and home and land prices are beyond what an average farmer or working person can afford. The town is now minimally economically diverse. I am sad and mad about that fact and it is why I became part of the Board of NBCLT. While away from my hometown, I spent years as an organizer in the coal fields of Tennessee where co-workers established the Woodland Community Land Trust which continues to provide affordable retired coalminers, miners put out of work, and young families, a decent and affordable place to live in a community setting not controlled by absentee landowning coal companies. I spent 35 years in Washington,DC working for the mayor and then teaching English in area public schools. There, too, the New Community Land Trust has been able to develop permanently affordable housing in several different sectors of the city, so vital in a city where dwellings are continually bought and sold driving up the prices.
When I am not on a soapbox about permanently affordable housing, I grow willow to weave and sell baskets and teach willow basketry as well.
Michael Corris
Board Member
Williamstown, MA
I am an artist and writer on art, and newly resident in the Northern Berkshires. I love the area: the new friends I’ve made, the exceptional beauty, and its unrivaled cultural institutions. Above all, I am excited to work with my colleagues on the Board to develop alternative routes to affordable housing. As a former housing advocate in New York City, I’m aware of the importance of gaining support for this issue from the widest possible social and economic base. Achieving our goal will make the Northern Berkshires a better place to live all year round.
Craig Feuerzeig
Board Member
North Adams, MA
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David McGowan
Board Member
North Adams, MA
My career is based in land conservation, yet I am also passionate about affordable housing. The two need not be at odds. I am convinced that our society needs protected open space for clean water, recreation, and wildlife habitat AND affordable housing. To that end, I am pleased to serve on the board of NBCLT to advance their mission of securing more affordable housing in the Northern Berkshires.
When I’m not doing housing, I enjoy hiking, camping, cycling, cooking, and hanging with my hound dog.
Beverly Mitchell
Board Member
Williamstown, MA
I am a fiction writer and a recent resident of northern Berkshire. I love the beauty, cultural institutions, and history of this area. New friends have made me feel exceptionally welcome. I’m glad to have the opportunity to serve on the NBCLT Board, where each member is uniquely suited to serve its goals. As a former librarian, I taught research and grant-writing workshops.
The Land Trust’s mission aligns with my desire to support affordable housing for generations. NBCLT is building a solid model for this achievement, which will enhance all lives in the Berkshire community.
Aside from this volunteer work with housing, I like hiking, kayaking, yoga, and having plenty of time to read.
Max Prum
Board Member
Florida, MA
I am a video editor and producer living in Florida, Massachusetts. I am enthusiastic about contributing to an equitable local economy, community and ecologically sound food supply. I work to establish tree crop orchards on property owned by others through my company FloMoFoFo, and I serve on the Berkshire Conservation District Board of Supervisors. I enjoy playing ice hockey and baseball, gardening, and hanging out in the woods and sometimes collecting mushrooms.
Thank you also to Angie, Justin, Susan, Beth, and the Berkshire Community Land Trust board who have helped us get Northern Berkshires going and provided invaluable support and insight.