Youngstown closing down thrift store on the city's west side - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A thrift store on the west side of Youngstown is being forced to close because the city denied them a zoning waiver.

Family Outreach Thrift Shop on Mahoning Avenue just opened up a couple months ago after changing locations.

Owner John Zucco says they moved a block east because rent at the Mahoning Plaza was too high.

Zucco says the city won't let them stay open because there are too many thrift stores in that area.

According to the owner, they had been in business at their previous location for over 13 years and they shouldn't be denied a zoning waiver just because they changed their name.

Councilman Mike Ray says the store was operating illegally because they opened their store before they had a variance.

Ray says while the city supports economic development, they do not want a "skid row" type of environment.

The councilman says there are too many businesses in that area that fall under "regulated use" and those include thrift stores, check cashing places and bars.

Zucco says his business is non- profit and they frequently give away free clothes to needy families and single mothers. He also says "job and family services" depends on his store for workers.

Zucco says he plans to get an attorney to help his store stay open.