Boerne Planning Commission raises concerns over Goodwill's staffing and parking issues

The Boerne Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on July 7, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding a proposed Goodwill store in the area, particularly focusing on operational challenges and community impact. Commissioner Heiler raised alarms about Goodwill's staffing shortages, noting that the organization does not operate on Sundays in nearby Kerrville due to these issues. He emphasized the potential for a backlog of donated goods if similar staffing problems were to occur in Boerne, which could lead to unsightly piles of items outside the store.

Heiler pointed out that Boerne is a leader in charitable contributions, with $50 million contributing to the local economy, and expressed concern about how Goodwill's operations might affect the community's image. He also questioned whether the store could effectively manage its operations given the current staffing challenges, stating, "Unless there's a really good solution on how to keep this from happening, I'm not able to support Goodwill."

In addition to staffing issues, Heiler raised logistical concerns about parking. The proposed shopping center would require 329 parking spaces for its 57,000 square feet of retail space, but only 199 spaces are available. This shortfall could complicate access for customers and further impact the store's viability.

Commissioner Cates noted a key difference between this application and a previous one from two years ago, where Goodwill only sought a donation station rather than a full retail store. He highlighted that the previous proposal was transparent about its intentions to collect donations from Boerne to send to larger cities, raising questions about the current proposal's alignment with community needs.

The discussions reflect a broader concern about how new developments, like the proposed Goodwill store, will integrate into Boerne's community fabric and address local needs effectively. The commission's deliberations will continue as they seek to balance the potential benefits of new businesses with the realities of operational challenges and community expectations.