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Baja's Cat Cafe owner urges predictable permitting, proposes small-business liaison
Summary
Amanda, owner of Baja's Cat Cafe, used the council's new local-business spotlight to urge clearer, more predictable permitting, propose a small-business liaison and welcome efforts to revitalize North Tiverton. Councilors encouraged connecting her to the planning and economic-development efforts.
Amanda, who identified herself as the owner of Baja's Cat Cafe at 137 Main Road, described five years of operating a small business in Tiverton and urged the council to streamline permitting and improve communication with small businesses.
“We are more than just cats. We are a coffee shop,” Amanda told the council, describing efforts the cafe runs that do not involve animals (community events, game nights, book clubs) and the difficulty of getting information and consistent processes from municipal departments. She said unpredictability in zoning, inspection and permitting requirements can impose unexpected costs and threaten a small business’s viability.
Amanda proposed practical changes: a small-business liaison or welcome packet, a clear checklist for zoning and permits, a small-business advisory committee and low-cost streetscape improvements such as planters, lighting and parking signage to make North Tiverton more walkable. Council members cited the North Tiverton revitalization committee plan and local business-association efforts and encouraged Amanda to connect with planning staff and the economic-development commission.
Councilors and staff praised the idea of more deliberate outreach and said town planners and economic-development volunteers are already working on related efforts. Multiple council members encouraged the council and administration to continue the spotlight series as a way to surface practical, locally specific ideas.
