How Will the Closure of Wash Mill Laundromat Impact Davis?

When Davis residents show up to do their laundry at Wash Mill laundromat, they will likely be greeted by a note informing them of the business's impending closure.

In a story published by The Sacramento Bee, it has been reported that the 40-year-old business is indeed closing and soon -- like this coming Sunday "soon". As the story reports, the business is closing to make way for a new Goodwill and Goodwill Express location.

On the business's front door a note reads, "To all of my friends that have used my Laundromat for 40 years, I would like to thank you. The landlord has given me 30 days."

The note alludes to an issue some commenters on the Bee story have speculated on, but does not specifically address it.

One Sac Bee commenter asks the somewhat crass but fair question: 

"So pray tell, what should the city of Davis and their elected minions do, if they "see a need for a laundromat"? Force the landlord to leave the existing one there? Open a city-run laundromat? Subsidize someone to open or run one?"

Indeed, even the story's author Darrell Smith can't help but acknowledge the glaring irony of the situation:

They will have a place to donate and buy clothes, but one fewer place to wash them.

Regardless of the irony, the decision has been made and it leaves residents considering the long-term impact leaving Laundry Lounge the only coin-operated laundromat in town.

The problem may extend beyond the seemingly obvious challenge this might present college students, noted in The Bee's story by Wash Mill's owner herself, Sharon Miller.

"The older homes don't have washers and dryers, and there are apartment (buildings) with only one washer and dryer... There are a lot of people who work swing shifts," Miller said. "People come in from West Sacramento. They say, 'You're the only place that's open 24 hours.'"

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Do you rely on a coin-operated laundromat? How many does Davis need?