Berkshire Access Realty Merges with Bishop West Real Estate

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Access Realty has merged with Bishop West Real Estate, a move that is expected to expand Bishop West Real Estate's operations across Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.

Berkshire Access Realty, founded and led by Mary Jane Dunlop, has served clients in the Berkshires for over two decades.

"We're thrilled to welcome Berkshire Access Realty into the Bishop West family," said Peter West, co-owner and broker of Bishop West Real Estate. "Mary Jane and her team bring a wealth of experience and an impeccable reputation. Together, we'll continue to raise the bar for client service in the Berkshires and beyond."

Corey Bishop, co-owner and broker, added: "This partnership is built on shared values—personalized service, local expertise, and a dedication to community. With this expansion, we're even better positioned to serve buyers and sellers across the region."

Mary Jane Dunlop, former broker-owner of Berkshire Access Realty, expressed her enthusiasm for the transition. "Joining Bishop West Real Estate is an exciting new chapter. I've always admired their professionalism and forward-thinking approach. This move allows me to continue doing what I love—serving my clients—with the backing of a dynamic, growth-oriented team."

With the merger, Bishop West Real Estate strengthens its position as a leading independent brokerage across the Northeast, offering residential, commercial, and investment real estate services with offices strategically located in Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.

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Dalton Police Facility Report Complete; Station Future Still Uncertain

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee's final report is complete but the future of the station remains uncertain. 
 
Several members of the committee attended the Select Board meeting last week, as co-Chair Craig Wilbur presented four options delineated in the presentation — build on town-owned land, build on private land, renovate or repurpose the existing buildings, and do nothing. The full report can be found here
 
According to the report, addressing the station's needs coincides with the town facing significant financial challenges, with rising fixed costs and declining state aid straining its budget. 
 
These financial pressures restrict the town's ability to fund major capital projects and a new police station has to compete with a backlog of deferred infrastructure needs like water, sewer, roads, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
 
In June 2024, Police Chief Deanna Strout informed the board of the station's dire condition — including issues with plumbing, mold, ventilation, mice, water damage, heating, and damaged cells — prompting the board to take action on two fronts. 
 
The board set aside American Rescue Plan Act funds to address the immediately dire issues, including the ventilation, and established the Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee to navigate long-term options
 
Very early on it was determined that the current facility is not adequate enough to meet the needs of a 21st-century Police Facility. This determination was backed up following a space needs assessment by Jacunski Humes Architects LLC
 
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