Drop-Off Point Is Sticking Point for Goodwill Operation in The Village

Goodwill Industries will employ as many as 30 La Mesans when it opens its thrift store downtown by Jan. 1, says its San Diego director of donations and retail operations. But the drop-off point is up in the air.

“We’ve wanted to be in The Village for a long time,” said Beth Forsberg, the Goodwill executive, attending Wednesday night’s meeting of the La Mesa Village Merchants Association at First Republic Bank. “We’re so proud to be a part of it.”

Forsberg provided details on the nonprofit group’s plans for the landmark Clocktower building at La Mesa Boulevard and Spring Street. The Point Loma-based charity took ownership of the iconic building last month after buying it for a reported $1.8 million from San Diego County Credit Union as a foreclosed property. 

The second floor will house regional Goodwill management, about five people, she said. And the building’s exterior will be renovated.

But a key issue is unresolved: Where will donors leave their used clothes, furniture and other items?

Existing drop-off areas at the Alvarado Road and Amaya Drive trolley stations will continue, Forsberg said. But the city opposes the Clocktower building as a collection point, and “was not happy with” plans for a donation site at the nearby Vons shopping center, she said.

“I knew they had concerns on that,” Forsberg said. “I respect and honor those concerns.”

“I’m uncertain right now” where the drop-off point will be, she said. “I’m trying to get clarity [from the city] on what is considered recycling.”

Despite the apparent impasse on a drop-off point, Forsberg lauded City Hall for its customer service and accessibility, saying: “I really like working with [the city of] La Mesa.”  

Village merchants have expressed concerns about Goodwill’s clientele—and the potential of donated items being left at night at the Clocktower building, attracting scavengers—so Forsberg announced that Goodwill will hire a security guard to patrol the site after hours.

Arlene Moore, owner of Park Estate Antiques in The Village, said she supports Goodwill’s efforts.

“I believe [Goodwill’s arrival] can be a good thing for everyone,” Moore said at the merchants meeting, which attracted 30 people.

Forsberg was accompanied by colleague Jacky Brown of Granite Hills, who said she looks forward to the shorter commute to work. (Brown now drives to Goodwill offices on Rosecrans Street on Point Loma.)

Forsberg said 25 to 30 local residents will be hired to work at the Goodwill store in The Village, training them at other sites before the store opens in the next five months.

After the 80-minute meeting, Moore, president of the La Mesa Village Merchants Association, told Forsberg: “I’m excited you’re here. I’m the ultimate recycler.”