Neighbors: So Far, So Good With New Goodwill

Despite , residents near Albany’s new store on San Pablo Avenue have so far had little to complain about since the store opened last month.

Last July at a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, some neighbors that could result from Goodwill moving into Blockbuster’s former location at Brighton Avenue.

One of those neighbors was Ruth Gjerde, who spoke out about the traffic from and nearby stores that customers coming to Goodwill might worsen.

But, so far, Gjerde says she has been pleased with the area’s condition.

“Whenever I go by, I look to see if there’s any problem, and so far I haven’t seen anything negative,” she said.

Along with traffic, dumping has also proved to be a nonissue at the new store.

Staff at dental practice, on Kains Avenue behind the store, said that, after Blockbuster moved out, the empty lot attracted homeless people and a large build-up of trash.

Though they were not thrilled about Goodwill moving into Blockbuster’s old location, the staff said the area has at least been clean and maintained.

“We had concerns before it came,” Dr. Frank Cortese said. “Now that it's occupied, it’s been a lot better than when it was empty.”

According to Kimberley Scrafano, vice president of development and community affairs for Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay, trash buildup is not an issue for most Goodwill stores anymore.

“We haven’t had any citations or issues with dumping in years,” Scrafano said. “We’ve put up signage to discourage folks and let them know the hours for when they can drop things off.”

The signs so far appear to be working, said Kains Avenue neighbor Doug Chinn, a seven-year Albany resident, who has not seen any trash or donations piled in the lot or on the street. 

Apart from the noise of delivery trucks dropping off and picking up items from the store, Chinn said he has had no complaints.

Gjerde stressed her appreciation for Goodwill’s mission, and said she hopes the new store continues a healthy relationship with the surrounding community.

“I’ve seen a lot of people there,” she said. “It’s neat and well-organized, and I hope people frequent it.”

If there's something in this article you think , or if something else is amiss, call editor Emilie Raguso at 510-459-8325 or email at albany@patch.com.