Goodwill enters Moon Valley over neighbors’ objections

Moon Valley residents in north Phoenix are getting a Goodwill store where their AJ’s Fine Foods used to be.

Despite backlash from neighbors, the non-profit has said it was aiming to open a new thrift store and donation center at Seventh Street and Thunderbird Road this fall. Now it appears there’s a set date — Nov. 22, according to job postings published Tuesday.

The store has been mired in controversy after Moon Valley residents, who have tried to block the Goodwill from opening, accused Vice Mayor Bill Gates and his chief of staff, Laura Etter, of not disclosing a potential conflict of interest while mediating the issue. Before joining Gates’ office, Etter worked for Goodwill’s lobbyist.

Gates and Etter both repeatedly have said there was no conflict of interest. Though residents pushed for Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and the city to explore the issue further, the mayor vouched for Gates and Etter at the Oct. 2 Phoenix City Council meeting.

On Oct. 2, the council also voted to reinstate the use-permit requirement for secondhand and used-goods stores. However, the change will not affect the Moon Valley Goodwill.

“Now the focus on that center is about making it the best center, the best Goodwill you’ve ever seen,” Gates told

in September. The new Goodwill store seeks cashiers, merchandise processors and donation attendants, according to job postings. No experience or high-school diploma is necessary, but applicants must pass a background check and be fluent in English.