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Dorville approves Goodwill thrift store and career center at Buford Highway shopping center
Summary
Council granted CUP-26-01 to Goodwill of North Georgia to open a 45,650 sq ft thrift store with an on-site career center at 5600 Buford Highway; applicant said a $1 million philanthropic grant will fund early operations of the career center.
Dorville City Council approved April 15 a conditional use permit for Goodwill of North Georgia to open a thrift retail store and an on-site career center at 5600 Buford Highway in the farmers market shopping center.
Staff described the proposed suite as roughly 45,650 square feet, split into about 33,270 square feet of retail and warehousing and about 12,380 square feet dedicated to a career center with classrooms, computer labs and workshops. The donation drop-off will be at a side entrance out of public view.
Jeff Haymore, counsel for the applicant, told the council Goodwill's mission "is to put people to work," and summarized the organization—s approach: "Help people find a job, help people find a better job, and finally make a career." He said the location fills a gap between existing Goodwill sites and that the organization has secured a "million-dollar" philanthropic grant to support the Dorville career center and initial operations.
Council members asked about safety lighting near the donation drop-off, circulation for donors and measures to prevent illegal dumping; Goodwill representatives described security cameras, routine patrols and a planned drive-through donation flow with attendants to unload donations and keep items from being left outside.
No public opposition was recorded during the hearing. Council waived first reading and unanimously approved CUP-26-01.
The council and applicant announced plans for outreach including an initial job fair tied to the career-center rollout.
