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Candidates say permitting delays and an opaque website are harming Peabody small businesses; a business liaison and website overhaul proposed
Summary
Forum candidates and business owners described long wait times and confusing online permitting systems that they say deter new businesses and complicate operations. Proposals included creating a business liaison position, a user‑friendly website and more proactive outreach to entrepreneurs.
Several candidates at the Peabody forum criticized the city's permitting and online information systems as barriers for small businesses and proposed a business liaison role and a redesigned website to improve access and response times.
Why it matters: small business permitting and customer service affect local economic development, job creation and tax revenue; repeated complaints from current and prospective owners risk deterring new investment.
Rochelle Agneta, a mayoral candidate and long‑time Peabody business owner, said the city’s portal and front‑desk service are inadequate and recounted a personal delay getting a business certificate. "It took me 6 months to get a business certificate... I have had a business in Peabody for 30 years. I have never ever ever had 6 months wait for a business certificate," she said, adding that the portal can put users into an endless loop.
Agenta proposed a business liaison to guide new and existing businesses through permitting and licensing processes. Several other candidates and the mayor noted successful ribbon cuttings in recent months — including Full Circle Diner and 98 Main Street Bakery — where owners reported positive interactions with city staff, but candidates said those experiences are inconsistent and that a central point of contact would reduce friction.
Candidate Tristan Brown and others pointed to existing external programs (for example, MassDevelopment leasing programs for pop‑up retail) and urged the city to partner with regional economic development groups to attract businesses and pilots.
No formal hiring decisions were made at the forum. Candidates advocated for operational changes — a dedicated business liaison, clearer online permitting and faster response protocols — that would require administrative action and possible reallocation of staff or budget.
