Del City Council Approves Thrift Store's Proposal To Move To New Location

A popular Del City thrift store cleared a major hurdle Wednesday night in its quest to move a half-mile down the street from where it’s been for the last 25 years.

Value Village Owner Richard Baze contacted News 9 a month ago. He said a Del City leader, who he isn’t naming publicly, compared his thrift store to loan companies and massage parlors. Baze said he was told his business attracts “undesirable” clientele.

7/23/15 Related Story: Del City Thrift Store Owner Accuses City Leaders Of Discrimination

Mayor Brian Linley said he would never condone labeling a customer base in such a way.

A jam-packed gallery that stretched outside the city hall Wednesday night watched the city planning commission approve Value Village’s plan to move.

“It’s absolutely the power of the people, they have a voice now,” said Baze.

Del City Council could vote on the Value Village proposal at its next meeting set for September 21.