Del City Thrift Store Owner Accuses City Leaders Of Discrimination

The owner of a Del City thrift store that has operated in the same spot for 25 years, accused city leaders of outright discrimination. 

Richard Baze and his wife operate Value Village Thrift Store in the old Del Crest Shopping Center near 15^th Street and I-40.  He said they have to move because their building will soon be demolished. 

Baze is irate because a city planner told him recently, he probably won’t be granted a variance that will enable him to move because of the people who shop at his store.

“He actually lumped my business in with rent-to-own, loan companies, and massage parlors,” said Baze. “He says we’re a low-life form of business.  And I don’t know what his definition of that is.  But my customers are retirees, military active and retirees, and single mothers.” 

City Manager Mark Edwards said he doesn’t know anything about Baze’s allegation.  Edwards said the city is simply holding Baze to the same standard any other business has to follow in order to move to another location in the city.

“I really wouldn’t say they’ve been a bad asset to the city,” said Edwards. “They’ve been good neighbors.” 

Baze’s request for a variance goes before the city’s planning commission on August 27 and he promises a fight. “I know for a fact it’s happened to others, I have names I have businesses I could tell you about. It’s happened to a lot of people in this town.”