Bishop West Real Estate Welcomes Three New Agents

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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. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Healey Announces Housing Development Supports at Former Pittsfield Bank

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Gov. Maura Healey poses with the bank's old safe. The building is being refurbished for housing by Allegrone Companies. The project is being supported by a commercial tax credit and a $1.8M MassWorks grant for infrastructure improvements. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Gov. Maura Healey stood in the former Berkshire County Savings Bank on Tuesday to announce housing initiatives that are expected to bring more than 1,300 units online. 

"People come here from all over the world. We want them to stay here, and we want kids who grew up here to be able to afford to stay here, but the problem is that for decades, we just weren't building enough housing to keep up with demand," she said. 

"And you guys know what happens when there isn't enough supply: prices go up. We have among the lowest vacancy rates in the country, so against that challenge, we made it our priority from day one to build more homes as quickly as possible." 

Approximately $8.4 million from the new Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative (CCTCI) is designed help communities transform empty or rundown commercial buildings into new homes along with $139.5 million in low-income housing tax credits and subsidies through the Affordable Housing Development grant program. 

The historic 24 North St. with a view of Park Square has been vacant for about two years, and Allegrone Companies plans to redevelop it and 30-34 North St. into 23 mixed-income units. The administration announced its Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative (CCTCI) and the Affordable Housing Development grant program as ways to aid housing production, both of which Pittsfield will benefit from. 

The state is partnering with Hearthway for the construction of 47 affordable units on Linden Street, utilizing the former Polish Community Club and new construction, and Allegrone for its redevelopment of the block. 

The Linden Street project is one of the 15 rental developments the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is supporting through $25.7 million in federal low-income housing tax credits, $32.4 million in state low-income housing tax credits, and $81.4 million in subsidies. 

Allegrone's project is supported by the commercial tax credit and was recently awarded $1,800,000 from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program. 

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said she fully comprehends the importance of housing and how crushing it is in communities that need it and want to build, but face difficulties with high construction costs. 

"Housing is the key to keeping people in the community in a safe way and giving them an opportunity to fill those many roles that we need throughout the Commonwealth in cities and towns, large and small, urban and rural, these are all important work. Having somebody fix your boiler, fix your car, we want those individuals to be able to live in our communities as well, particularly in our gateway cities," she said. 

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