Residents Weigh in on Potential 24-Hour Laundromat

Many locals have voiced their opinions regarding the new at 460 Union Blvd., where Blockbuster used to sit.

Kevin Bonner, deputy director of public information for the Town of Islip, confirmed that the Planning Department has issued a stop work order for the site.

"The applicant is pursuing building permits for the site and the stop work order will be lifted if and when the building permits are approved."

Below is a compilation of reactions taken from interviews, emails, Facebook and story comments. 

Joseph DeCarlo, president of the West Islip Association, via e-mail:

"Let’s look to move in a more positive business direction with more and more upscale types of businesses that our community can certainly support with its income level and well educated populace. I guess the question is why do we need another Laundromat in the community given the fact that we are a community of single family homes. I really don’t know if a large segment of our population requires the use of another public Laundromat that will be open 24 hours with all the resultant issues associated with a 24 hour operation."

Read the rest of the WIA's opinion in the

Robert Raimondi, WI resident, via e-mail:

"I am against the 24-hour laundromat. It is proposed to be an unattended operation and as such will lead to the opportunity for illicit and illegal activity to enter in to our community. West Islip has a laundromat already that is a mom amd pop operation with reasonable hours. There is no need for a large operation that could lead to an increase in illegal apartments and further impact the traffic and quality of life that this hamlet has come to expect."

Janel Soper Weber, WI resident, via Facebook:

"I agree with Mr. Barraga...why put this in West Islip especially in that small shopping area!?! There has to be something better that could occupy that space!! Wake up West Islip!! I can understand a laundromat but a 24hr one??"

Stan Mancavage, manager of , via interview:

"It's empty now, so if something is built there I could see it helping our business."

Thomas Barraga, , via phone interview:

"I don’t like any 24-hour a day operations, I really don’t.  And I’m not so sure that area, personally, is an appropriate place for a Laundromat."

Diane Fontana, president of the , via story comment:

"I believe the real issue should be if this a good fit, how will this affect the other laundromats in this community and what about the landlord that has been stuck with an empty building since blockbuster has moved out. These are complicated issues. Reisdents need to be informed and all are welcome to contact our local planing board to voice concerns. Local business keeps us running and we need to encourage but we do need a good fit."

Chris F, via story comment:

"Should we complain about the colors of the Shop & Stop sign too? 7-11, Walgreens, and McDonald's don't cause drug dealers, homeless people, "scary people" (used as a euphemism for minorities), and so forth to come to West Islip. That argument is so absurd it stopped being valid in like 1950. If a business wants to do business in West Islip than they have a right to do so, and as a lifelong resident of West Islip I would welcome them even if I don't see a need for that business."