Doraville planning commission approves Goodwill thrift store with on-site career center at Buford Highway Farmers Market

The Doraville Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-01 on a unanimous roll-call vote to allow Goodwill of North Georgia to open a 46,650-square-foot thrift store with an on-site career center at 5600 Buford Highway in the Buford Highway Farmers Market Shopping Center.

Staff introduced the application and recommended approval, noting the site is within the city's T5 zone and that the proposed use is categorized as a thrift/consignment store that also offers career services. Staff described the suite as roughly 46,650 square feet split into about 33,270 square feet of retail/warehouse space and 12,380 square feet for career services, and said there would be no outdoor storage. Staff also stated the center has 931 parking spaces and that "parking is not an issue," and recommended that the commission forward a favorable recommendation.

Jeffrey Haymore, a land-use attorney representing Goodwill of North Georgia, told commissioners the organization's mission is employment-focused and said the proposal includes a career center offering job training, counseling, computer labs and conference rooms. "Goodwill's mission is to put people to work," Haymore said. He said the career center would operate with set hours (career-center hours: Monday–Wednesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday until 7 p.m., Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m., closed Sundays) and estimated the project would bring about 40 retail employees and about eight career-center staff, with bilingual employees to serve the neighborhood.

Commissioners asked practical questions about donation drop-off logistics and whether the new site would pull donations from an existing drop-off near the Kroger shopping center. The applicant said Goodwill has previously appeared before other commissions and that operations had been adjusted for other locations when required. On concerns about donor traffic and potential confusion during busy weekends at the Buford Highway Farmers Market, the applicant said the site will include a pylon and directional signage to route donors to the side of the building and the designated donation area.

With public comment opened and no speakers recorded for or against the item, the commission moved to a vote. A motion to approve CUP-26-01 was made and seconded; roll-call votes recorded "yes" from Commissioner Pruing, Commissioner Speed, Commissioner Sonni and Commissioner Gilmore, and the motion passed.

After the vote staff made closing remarks, including an announcement inviting the community to a ribbon-cutting for "Bella's Blessings" at Brook Park on April 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The commission then adjourned.

Action taken: Approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-01 (Goodwill of North Georgia) — motion made by Deon; seconded by Chris; roll-call yes votes recorded for Commissioner Pruing, Commissioner Speed, Commissioner Sonni and Commissioner Gilmore.