Why ask the competition/other retailers what they think about a Goodwill store? Who cares what they think... its the customers, the walk-ins, the cash buyers who will vote with their dollars. If the store fills a need, services the community and the customers support it, then it'll be successful. Everything else is posturing.

Actually, I'm more likely to NOT support a store that has expressed opposition to the new Goodwill.

Some may remember that the site of the CVS at Solano and Ramona used to be a Goodwill store, so there is precedent for such a space on Solano.

In the interest of Albany History, I believe it was Salvation Army

Yes, it was the Salvation Army. There was also a lorry in the car park which was very handy for taking donations. I didn't buy much there but I went in often for a good look round. I never saw anything untoward going on.

I think I need to side with the "Why not?" voices. There are vacancies (that space, for six years, the neighboring video store since end of year, and then some up the street) and at some point I'd presume that the glacial pace of USPS will overtake Landscape Station and it'll be "consolidated" (aka, closed, with its patrons migrating to Albany PO or the one on Shattuck). But the area is one of the healthier pedestrian sections of Solano, and another reason for people to browse and spend time wouldn't be bad. The reader comments on the SFGate article are overwhelmingly scathing of the NIMBY tone of those who were interviewed and opposed... when you think about it, it really would be hypocritical for Berkeley to weigh in progressively on equity and human rights issues everywhere in the world, then not permit a charitable organization to sell inexpensive clothing to those who need it in its own backyard.

And let's get iScream! open, ok? It's been months and months.

I remember the Salvation Army on Solano. It was clean and well run. I certainly don't see a reason to oppose a Goodwill. Filling a vacancy should be a priority in this economy.

It surprises me that any business owner would prefer vacant storefronts to any viable shop. A Goodwill store will bring more foot traffic to upper Solano, meaning that more people would walk by Peets, AG Ferrari, Pegasus, etc. The folks that run Hannah's and Greeting obviously get it (read the Chronicle article.) The woman at Sottovoce obviously doesn't.

The only group I can imagine that it would affect would be CARH, who seem to get a lot of local clothing donations. And by the way, if you go to Telegraph, some of the stores that are doing the best business are the 2nd hand clothing stores.

TONA (Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Association) had a public meeting last Thursday at which this topic was discussed, as well as other proposed zoning changes. TONA took no position on the matter, just hosted the discussion. It was announced by hand delivered newsletters to 1800 homes in the TO neighborhood, as well as on www.TONA.org and the TO Facebook and TO Yahoo Group pages, and was well attended. Councilmember Capitelli, who also attended, reported that Goodwill has not yet formally applied. A discussion ensued and many diverse opinions were expressed by the public. It seemed the main concern was the possibility of unmanageable donations being left at night outside the front entrance, as many people have seen at other non-profit donation sites. El Cerrito's Goodwill drop off, for example, is located at the recycle center on Schmidt, by the hillside; so only open during the day and fenced at night. I think if the donation drop off issue could be addressed, most people would support it. The majority attending seemed in favor of Goodwill. IMHO don't think we can "use permit" businesses based on the possible competition they present to other businesses, as long as there is some variety of business types in the district. Restaurants face this all the time! Obviously, so do nail and hair salons. That being said, specific functional issues, such as type of retail, safety, noise, traffic, disruption, need to be addressed by all businesses. That is the purpose of the use permit.

I believe, from comments made at the meeting by Councilmember Capitelli, that iScream is waiting for approval of an awning/sign design. The administrators at the City of Berkeley made a fuss about their proposed striped awning design, blaming neighbors, when no opposition was expressed. That caused them to go back to their architect, and make a new design. Proposed zoning changes would make it clearer for businesses by establishing easy to understand criteria for signage and awnings, which, if met, would avoid the review process. Folks at the meeting complained to Capitelli that it was taking so long, which prompted a discussion of the "City Manager" model of city governance. All the city staff report managerially to the City Manager, not the Mayor, leaving the Mayor and other elected officials with little power to push things along. The City Manager is Phil Kamlarz, 510- 981-7000. BTW, the "Peet's" chairs are not Peet's. They are a cooperation by the City of Berkeley and Peet's. Peet's does no cleanup or trash removal, for example. The City paid for the bump out. The rules stipulate there must be 6' of passable space at any time for passers-by. Of course, no one enforces this, but pedestrians can request solicitors move to an area more open/clear. There is talk of another bumpout/hardscape design across the street at La Farine; it would take up one parking space on the Colusa side, at the corner in front. This is in proposal stage.

If Goodwill backs out because of the bad will of some of its snooty neighbors, maybe that space could be used to consolidate all the nail salons on Solano Avenue so more useful businesses could operate those many spaces up and down the avenue.

Concerning the (potential) Goodwill Store at 1831 Solano Avenue, The Solano Avenue Association has decided, after polling the Berkeley merchants, that feelings are mixed and that the Association will remain neutral.

The Solano Avenue Association has 250 members on the Avenue and is best known for our annual community event in September, the Solano Avenue Stroll. Solano Avenue offers an unmatched array of shopping, dining, and professional services. Nowhere will you find a more concentrated collection of independently owned businesses, with owners around the globe.

We invite you to come visit us and see for yourself what makes Solano Avenue such a special place for those who live and work here. We welcome your comments - info@solanoavenue.org

Good will to Goodwill. Please come to my neighborhood. I shop at Peets and other merchants at the top of Solano.

Berkeleyside reports Goodwill is out on upper Solano; Pet Food Express is in.
http://www.berkeleyside.com/2011/05/17/goodwill-out-pet-food-express-in-on-berkeleys-solano-ave/

Maybe the empty Blockbuster on San Pablo is a good spot for Goodwill?