To the editor:
Quietly at a special town meeting, which is an ideal time and place for mischief, voters (more than likely an organized faction) transferred the power to award special permits in West Stockbridge from the Select Board to the Planning Board.
Since the former Select Board under the leadership of Eric Shimelonis had little if any success in ameliorating the conflict between Truc Orient Express and The Foundry last year, maybe the change will be helpful. However, I am not hopeful.
As a selectman for 24 years in Stockbridge, I appreciate the dilemma of having a restaurant and family home that has existed in the same place for nearly 50 years and a recent entertainment venue literally side by side.
Truc requires calmness both for its restaurant and the Nguyen family, while The Foundry, depending on its choice of music, can shatter the calm at will.
Amplified drums and bass do not encourage conversation, nor do they ensure a family’s right to peace in their own home.
A year ago, after delay upon delay (an entire summer passed and The Foundry operated without the required permit), a special permit was given with reasonable restrictions: decibel measured noise, no trespassing, and parking only on Foundry property.
Yet, restrictions were not enforced. They were not and in all likelihood will not be … to the continued harm of the Nguyens.
Finally, any member of the Planning Board who feels that he/she cannot be objective needs to recuse themselves from making any formal decision at the beginning of the hearing. Such was not the case a year ago.
John A. Beacco Jr.
Lee
