OUT OF ORDER Notices on many of the dryers at the Washing Well laundromat in Livingston Manor indicate machines that are not working. Art Steinhauer photo
Washing Well customers often left high and not so dry
By Rachel Zuckerman | Manor Ink
Livingston Manor, NY – Laundry. An essential chore that helps keep us and our clothes clean. But how do we do it?
In this day and age, with a washing machine and dryer. But if you don’t have these appliances at home, you must go to a laundromat. With the recent closing of the laundromat in Roscoe, more people in the Town of Rockland depend on the Washing Well on upper Main Street here in Livingston Manor. However, Manor Ink has recently received complaints about the condition of this vital facility.
IMPORTANT RESOURCE Livingston Manor’s laundromat on upper Main Street provides a vital service for many in the community who don’t have home appliances to clean and dry their clothes. Art Steinhauer photo
An anonymous reader wrote of his travails with the laundromat, saying that many machines were out of order and there was no way to get refunds for lost money. “There is a complete disregard by the owners for the people who use the place,”the reader opined.
In response, the Ink visited the laundromat and, indeed, found 16 out of 22 dryers out of order on Sept. 20, and then 18 out of order several days later. While the washing machines appeared to be in good working order and the place was clean, as reported there was no sign indicating who to call to report problems or request refunds.
Mike Aiello of Roscoe, who was doing his wash during one of the Ink’s visits, said that he had been waiting over an hour for one of the four working dryers to finish its load. Aiello said that this is not an uncommon occurrence, as sometimes he has had to wait even longer. Aiello said that the machine repairs were seriously neglected. Jimmy Maes, another customer who arrived later, commented, “It has become a difficult situation for people who can’t afford to have their own machines.”
Manor Ink reached out to Martha West, co-owner of the laundromat. She said the frustration of the patrons was understandable and that she strives to have machines repaired as quickly as possible, “but they are old and have issues.”
West said she and her partner were excited to acquire the property and be a part of the Manor community, but the conversion of the former car wash portion of the building into a restaurant has unfortunately been delayed. West said she always issues refunds when contacted and will post a sign on how patrons may reach her.