Peabody’s two mayoral candidates – incumbent Ted Bettencourt and Rochelle Agneta – answered a handful of questions asked by the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce last week.
One question asked was: “What would you like to see happen as far as redevelopment of land left vacant by large companies such as Rousselot and Analogic?”
Bettencourt went first, saying that, with the loss of Analogic, that gives the City the opportunity to “look at the uses of Centennial Park.”
He added, “We have the opportunity now at Rousselot to be able to create something very special, look at some additional uses and potential opportunities at Rousselot. I think a potential mix of different uses would be great at that site.”
He emphasized that it will be “very important this next year, 2026, to really look at the zoning and what’s allowed there and what opportunities could be afforded to us.” He added, “The other thing we’re looking at with Rousselot is an opportunity to purchase the water rights.”
Agneta agreed with Bettencourt “that we have large opportunities going forward now with those properties.” She added, “I have discussed taking Rousselot, or a piece of Rousselot, that’s right behind the George Peabody Museum. Peabody has a large historical element to it… I would love Peabody to develop a real museum in Peabody that showcases all of our history.”
She added, “As far as Centennial Park, I would love to see a performing arts center go up there… It would bring a lot of revenue to the city… I would like to see those kinds of creations in Peabody that will drive people to our city and start spending money in our city.”
Agneta also emphasized that she could bring visionary leadership as mayor if elected.
“We need new visionary things in Peabody to drive people here, bring in revenue, and help our businesses – because, right now, our businesses really need the help,” she said.
The two candidates were also asked: “What is the best way to position Peabody as a place where people want to start and own and operate a business?”
This was the sole question to which they disagreed. Agneta, a business-owner, answered first, emphasizing the need for “a business liaison or a business group that can help businesses maneuver through what they want in Peabody.”
“If people are coming in and want to create a business, they need the help. Right now, our building inspector’s office has a lack of knowledge at the front desk, so if you are a business, and you’re trying to move here, it’s very, very hard to get the information that you need,” she said.
Agneta added, “It took me six months to get a business certificate. I have had a business in Peabody for 30 years. I have never, ever, ever had six months wait for a business certificate. Not only is it the length of time of getting it, it’s the unfriendly environment that you have to contend with. It does not bring business in.”
She also said that the City’s business portal is “horrible.” She added, “anyone who owns a business in Peabody who has ever tried to get through that portal understands that you go in a loop forever, and sometimes you have to get up at 1 or 2 in the morning in order to actually get the work done.”
Bettencourt began answering this question by stating that he “respectfully” disagrees with Agneta.
“We have a great number of people in City Hall that are caring, compassionate, that do the very best they can, and all have difficult jobs, all work very hard… I just wanted to make sure people know that there is a group of dedicated, hardworking people here,” he said. “To me, it’s all about communication and being out front and talking to people.”
Bettencourt brought up how he was able to attend the ribbon cutting for Full Circle Diner.
“It’s a family business, and they could not talk enough about the great experience they had working with the City of Peabody from the building inspector’s office right to the mayor’s office – and it was wonderful to see a new business coming, a family business, opening up right at that location,” he said.
He also brought up that the City has had “some great success working with the North Shore Mall.” Bettencourt listed many businesses which he has had the pleasure of working with, which have all had positive remarks to say about working with the City. Bettencourt also mentioned that the City was just recognized in the September edition of “Business in Focus,” one of North America’s premier business-to-business publications.
He did say, “I think the point Rochelle makes about the website is valid. We need to make some improvements in our website, but we really have some hardworking people… working in the City of Peabody, and I’m very proud of that.”
