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Kim Burnham, left, Rebecca Gold, Judy Giamborino and Town Manager Peter Fohlin cut the red ribbon for the women's real estate office.

Real Estate Agency Cuts Ribbon in New Home

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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There was a crowd at the new Burnham Gold Real Estate on the corner of Water and Meacham last week. More photos on our Facebook page.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The town's newest real estate agency opened its doors with a party and ribbon-cutting on Thursday night.

There was a large group of supporters on hand to cheer them on as principals Kim Burnham and Rebecca Gold and real estate agent Judy Giamborino officially opened Burnham Gold Real Estate at 191 Water St. The party continued with catering by Gramercy Bistro as people packed into the building to check out the new location.

"We're feeling fabulous, we have a great location," said Burnham after Town Manager Peter Fohlin helped cut a red ribbon just outside the entrance of the new offices. "We're happy to be in Williamstown, our hometown."

The women have known each other for years and said they were excited to be working as a team. Their location is just down the road from Williamstown Realty, where the three had worked together before it recently closed. But they've shrugged that off, seeing it as an opportunity.

"Williamstown Realty is unfortunately done and we wanted to branch out on our own," said Burnham. "We three girls, we've been friends a long time, business associates a long time, and it's just worked."

Gold chimed in that "we decided a few months ago that we wanted to be on our own so things just fell into place after that."


Their new location on the corner of Water and Meacham streets (right next to the Taconic Golf Course) is being leased from Redstone Properties but they're hoping buy it in time. They're optimistic but realistic about the current real estate market.

"It's a really horrible market but we took the risk and we're going to ride it out," said Burnham. "We're working with a lot of local banks and apparaisers ... ."

The once-hot Williamstown market has cooled (nearly 80 properties are for sale) but "we do have a lot going for us with the elementary and the high school," said Burnham, "and the collee is bringing in people again ... we're seeing an upturn there and with the theater actors."

An actor who was leasing last year is looking to buy this year, and that's a good sign, said Burnham.

For more information on Burnham Gold, check out their website.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.
 
But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.
 
"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."
 
"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.
 
Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.
 
The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.
 
Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.
 
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