Community thrift store aims to support local families and host charity drives

The Planning Commission Meeting held by the City Council of Selma, California, on April 11, 2025, focused on the proposal for a new children's thrift store aimed at supporting local families. The store is intended to provide affordable children's clothing and goods while also serving as a community resource for buying, selling, and donating items. The initiative has garnered significant support from both local residents and neighboring towns, with plans to use profits for community-driven projects such as back-to-school supply drives and holiday assistance.

During the meeting, community member Santiago Segura raised questions regarding the necessity of ADA-compliant bathrooms, even if the store does not open to the public. City officials clarified that compliance is mandated by California building codes to accommodate potential future employees. The discussion also touched on the store's operational logistics, including the restriction of donation drop-offs to the front of the building to prevent unauthorized dumping at the rear.

Support for the thrift store was echoed by Ella Ramirez, who emphasized its potential to attract visitors to downtown Selma and prevent the space from becoming another vacant property. The commission addressed various operational conditions, including the responsibilities of the tenant regarding maintenance and compliance with city regulations.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the project, pending further discussions on specific conditions related to building permits and ADA compliance. The approval process will involve submitting a hardship exemption application for ADA upgrades, which will be evaluated based on the cost of improvements. The commission anticipates a swift turnaround for the project, which aims to enhance community resources and support local families.