West Stockbridge — At one point during the second public hearing over The Foundry’s application for a special permit on Monday, November 7, Truc’s Orient Express Restaurant co-owner Truc Nguyen started to cry during her public comments. At another point, during her response to a public comment criticizing the Planning Board, Chairperson Dana Bixby loudly slammed a stack of paperwork against a table.

And at several points during the public hearing, a few residents asked if a compromise could be made between the owners of The Foundery and Truc’s Orient Express Restaurant. However, after the second contentious public hearing, it appeared that any kind of compromise between the two neighboring businesses seemed to be impossible.

The November 7 hearing, which was held in the gymnasium of the Town Office building, was a continuation of the first public hearing on November 1.

The Foundry is a performing arts venue that opened in March 2019 at 2 Harris Street and is owned by Richmond resident Amy Brentano. Right next door to The Foundry is Truc’s Orient Express Restaurant co-owned by Truc Nguyen and Trai Thi Duong.

Towards the beginning of the hearing, Brentano re-stated to the audience of over 60 residents what she is requesting in the special permit. Brentano said she requests that the board allows The Foundry to hold up to 10 outdoor events on a green that is located on the side of the building from May through October. She said that the outdoor events would be completed by 9:30 p.m.

Brentano also requests that the town allow The Foundry to allow performers on the patio bar “with no drums permitted, performing on days when there are no other mainstream events” with performances completed by 9:30 p.m.

She also requests that the town allows for live indoor entertainment seven