To the editor:
As a resident of West Stockbridge for more than a decade, I have never witnessed extreme divides in my town due to an issue that can be easily resolved and mediated. All of us in town want all businesses in downtown West Stockbridge to thrive. But thriving businesses should not be at the expense of others. In this matter, I want to express my disappointment and frustration with the town’s failure to address the contention between The Foundry, Truc’s Orient Express, and the Nguyen family residence.
From all that I’ve read and observed about this situation, it’s clear that the town has failed to mediate. Instead, the Selectboard altered the rules midstream, changing established procedures to shift the responsibility to the town’s Planning Board, kicking the can down the road and failing to take accountability.
Regardless of which governmental body is responsible, the town has failed to enforce the conditions that were agreed upon by both parties with the issuance of a special permit for The Foundry, which has failed to prove that it can abide by those conditions by virtue of its numerous violations.
While The Foundry tries to position itself as a supporter of underrepresented communities by providing them a voice, it is refusing to listen to the voice of a member of one of the most underrepresented communities and ignoring the harm it has inflicted upon its very own neighbor.
If The Foundry really wants to run a musical venue, they should invest in a high-standard sound proofing of its space to ensure that the shows it presents do not deprive the Nguyen family of the peace and quiet they are entitled to in their own home nor harm the family business that Truc is single-handedly trying to sustain, which they established in this town more than 40 years ago. Or, The Foundry could easily curate the musical aspect of their to have acoustical performances only.
West Stockbridge is and has long been a welcoming town. As a reminder, the Nguyen family were Vietnamese refugees who came to West Stockbridge with hopes of pursuing a better life, better opportunities, and were embraced by a supportive community.
They have been working hard all their lives to achieve the American dream and create a business that serves the community, a harmonious home, and a peaceful sanctuary.
Truc’s mother, Trai Duong, is 81 years old, and right now she is in Vietnam. Trai is planning to return this spring and when she comes back home, she deserves to enjoy the peace and quiet she experienced here before and one she has worked hard for.
This is not to say we don’t support art and cultural events in West Stockbridge. What the Nguyen family has been asking for is that The Foundry adjust the programming that hurt them so that they can still enjoy their home while the venue can continue to present performances.
Imagine having your neighbor tell you to your face that she is hurt. Is this any way for our town to treat a member of our own community? Instead of acknowledging the hurt, everyone deflects, bringing up stuff that has nothing to do with the actual situation.
This is what The Foundry is doing to the Nguyen Family. Using BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and the Arts to justify a business conduct that harms others is not equitable practice.
And finally, if all businesses in West Stockbridge must have to abide by the law and established regulations, why is the town bending over backwards to accommodate just one? If The Foundry cannot comply with the conditions of the prior agreement, and the town will not hold The Foundry accountable for complying with those conditions, the special permit should not be issued.
iin Purwanti
West Stockbridge
