Bishop West Real Estate Welcomes Three New Agents

11:34AM / Thursday, February 27, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Bishop West Real Estate welcomed three agents: Pam Tworig, Kolleen Schmitt, and Shannon Davis.

Tworig, formerly with Moresi Real Estate Partners, has called the Berkshires and Southern Vermont home for over 40 years. With deep-rooted relationships among local business owners, contractors, and residents, she brings invaluable connections and insight to the market. Prior to real estate, she spent more than three decades managing properties and designing commercial and residential landscapes. Licensed in both Massachusetts and Vermont, Tworig will play a key role in expanding Bishop West's presence in Southern Vermont. "I'm thrilled to join a brokerage that prioritizes professionalism and education," said Tworig. "Helping clients find the perfect property—whether residential, commercial, or investment—is my passion, and I'm eager to contribute to Bishop West's growth in Vermont and beyond."

Kolleen Schmitt, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer, has been a licensed real estate professional in Massachusetts since 2009. Holding the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification, she specializes in assisting veterans in achieving their dream of homeownership. An avid skier and licensed horseback riding instructor, Kolleen brings the same discipline and commitment to real estate as she does to her outdoor passions.

"Bishop West's dedication to its agents and clients is what drew me in," she said. "I'm excited to bring my experience to this dynamic team."

Shannon Davis, a longtime resident of Central Berkshire County, has been a full-time real estate agent for over seven years. With 20 years of professional customer service experience, Davis excels in communication and staying ahead of technological advancements in the industry. "Helping people achieve their real estate goals is what drives me," Davis shared.

"Bishop West provides the support and education that allows agents like me to thrive and, in turn, deliver the best service to our clients," she said.

Corey Bishop, co-owner of Bishop West Real Estate, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions.

"Pam, Kolleen, and Shannon are all dedicated professionals who embody the values we stand for—integrity, education, and exceptional client service," he said. "Their skills and passion make them outstanding additions to our team."

Co-owner Peter West added: "At Bishop West, we invest in our agents, knowing that well-supported professionals provide the best results for their clients. Pam, Kolleen, and Shannon's decision to join us speaks to the strength of our brokerage, and we are excited to watch them grow with us."

Founded in 2001, Bishop West Real Estate is licensed in Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and Florida.

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Berkshire Towns Can Tap State Seasonal Communities Resources

10:54AM / Monday, December 29, 2025

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey announced that 18 additional municipalities across Massachusetts have been designated as Seasonal Communities, opening up new tools, support and grant funding to help them manage seasonal housing pressures.

Created as part of the historic Affordable Homes Act signed into law by Governor Healey in 2024, the Seasonal Communities designation was designed to recognize Massachusetts communities that experience substantial variation in seasonal employment and to create distinctive tools to address their unique housing needs. The law also established the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council (SCAC).

The Affordable Homes Act identified several communities to automatically receive the designation, including:

All municipalities in the counties of Dukes and Nantucket;
All municipalities with over 35 percent seasonal housing units in Barnstable County; and
All municipalities with more than 40 percent seasonal housing units in Berkshire County.

To identify additional communities, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) reviewed available data, specifically focusing on cities and towns with high levels of short-term rentals and a high share of second- or vacation homes.

In Berkshire County, Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, New Marlborough, Richmond, Sandisfield, Sheffield, West Stockbridge and Williamstown have been designated.

"Our seasonal communities are a vital part of Massachusetts' cultural and economic fabric, but they're also home to essential workers, families, seniors, and longtime residents who deserve a place to live year-round," said Governor Healey. "That's why we're committed to supporting these communities with innovative solutions like the Seasonal Communities designation to meet their unique needs, and I'm thrilled that we're offering this opportunity to 18 additional communities across the state. Everyone who calls these places home should be able to live, work and grow here, no matter the season."

As with the statutorily identified communities, acceptance of the designation for municipalities is voluntary and requires a local legislative vote. HLC will open an application for newly eligible communities that haven't accepted the Seasonal Communities designation to request consideration.

The Affordable Homes Act created several new tools for communities who accept the Seasonal Communities designation to be able to:

Acquire deed restrictions to create or preserve year-round housing
Develop housing with a preference for municipal workers, so that our public safety personnel, teachers, public works and town hall workers have a place to live
Establish a Year-Round Housing Trust Fund to create and preserve affordable and attainable housing for year-round residents
Create year-round housing for artists
Allow seasonal communities to develop a comprehensive housing needs assessment
Permit tiny homes to be built and used as year-round housing
Permit year-round, attainable residential development on undersized lots
Increase the property tax exemption for homes that are the owners' primary residence