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Goodwill seeks special-use permit in Boerne; local nonprofits warn of donation and market impacts
Summary
Goodwill presented plans for a 16,500 sq ft store at 1030 North Main Street that would create about 20 full‑time jobs and accept internal donations only. Local nonprofit thrift operators warned the new store could reduce donation streams and shoppers; Goodwill said it will seek to collaborate and the application goes to Planning & Zoning on July 7, 2025.
Goodwill representatives and the property owner presented a proposal June 17 to open a Goodwill retail store at 1030 North Main Street in Boerne, seeking a special use permit (SUP) that the city requires because the C2 zoning and entrance‑corridor overlay restrict outdoor donation bins.
Price Hunt, representing Spotter Real Estate, said the ownership group plans exterior upgrades and new tenants to revitalize the shopping center and that Goodwill’s tenancy would activate a long‑vacant space. "We have plans for upgrades, landscaping, exterior upgrades," he said, adding the center needs a tenant able to fund improvements.
David Peterson, chief operating officer for Goodwill, described the nonprofit’s workforce and retail model, saying the organization combines donations, retail and workforce programs. Peterson said the proposed Goodwill store would accept donations inside a dedicated receiving area and that "there will be absolutely no external donations." He added the store would create about 20 full‑time positions with health benefits and a 403(b) plan and that Goodwill aims to pay at or above roughly $15.05 an hour in the area.
Peterson also said Goodwill processes most clothing centrally for efficiency and program funding. "Our central processing facility is now running at about 1,000,000 pieces a month, with 85 people," he said; other donated goods that are suitable for local sale would stay in the Boerne store, he added.
Local nonprofit leaders expressed concern about how a large regional operator would affect existing community thrift stores. Stacy Almiger, CEO of Hill Country Family Services, said her group and other local nonprofits together provide services and operate thrift shops that fund local direct services. "If we're sharing the space of a nonprofit thrift store with others within the community, I'd like for Goodwill to respond of what their impact is going to be," Almiger said, asking Goodwill to quantify the likely effect on donations and shoppers.
Goodwill leaders responded that they aim to find gaps, not displace local operations, and to collaborate. Carlos Contreras, CEO of Goodwill, emphasized local hiring and benefits and said ‘‘over 90¢ of every dollar we generate goes back to the mission.’’ Peterson offered to join local nonprofit meetings and explore salvage, recycling or other operational partnerships that could reduce negative impacts.
Price Hunt and Goodwill outlined the next procedural steps: if the SUP is issued the landlord would finalize the lease, the applicant would submit storefront and finish‑out plans to the city for permitting, construction would follow, and the city would issue inspections and a certificate of occupancy. Price said the work could take several months; Peterson suggested a quick opening before second quarter next year would be unlikely.
The moderator closed the Boerne Neighborhood Discussion by noting that feedback from the meeting will be shared with the Planning & Zoning Commission. The Planning & Zoning public hearing on the Goodwill SUP is scheduled for 07/07/2025; residents were directed to planning@boerne-tx.gov for comments and the city website for updates.
What happened next: Goodwill and the property owner will collect public comments, may revise project details and will present the application and compiled feedback to the Planning & Zoning Commission on July 7, 2025.
