New laundromat awaits approvals

Machines and equipment will be touch screen

Pending approvals from the Willowick City Council and Planning Commission, Vincent Fraschetti has plans to open Modern Suds Laundromat, which is intended to start off as a full selfservice laundromat.

The new establishment would consume both units at 30437 Euclid Ave., according to Fraschetti.

“The machines and equipment are all brand new, touch screen technology that has never been seen before,” he said. “Payment methods are going to be through an app or laundry card in an attempt to have this as a cashless business. The only thing that will accept cash would be the payment center to purchase the laundry card or payment through a phone app.”

Fraschetti plans to implement washing, drying and folding services in the future once the business gets established.

“At that point, there would have been one or two employees on site,” he said.

If customers should have any issues with the machines, they’ll be able to call a phone number (to be listed) and they’ll be advised to switch to another washer or dryer free of charge.

“Everything is the touch of a button, user friendly and customers will be able to go onto the app to see what machines are in use so you are not waiting in line,” Fraschetti said. “They will be able to see the time left on the machine they are using to know when their laundry is complete.”

Current Planning Commission member Bob Houry inquired if there will be any security to which Fraschetti stated that there will be cameras 24 hours. Utilizing his app, Fraschetti will be able to lock and unlock the establishment, as well as monitor it at all times remotely.

Additionally, he advised he is about 30 minutes from the location and plans to be in and out daily.

It was also asked if customers will need the app to enter the establishment during regular business hours. While he thought about doing so, Fraschetti stated that he does not want to limit customers.

There was some discussion regarding different laundromats in the area. Commission member Eric Foisel stated that his only concern would be people congregating at the laundromat since there will not be employees.

Fraschetti stated that is one of the reasons he wanted to go cashless as there will not be anything at the establishment that will encourage people to hang around if they are not doing their laundry.

“There are cameras always running and being monitored if something suspicious is taking place,” he added.

While the establishment will have 24/7 security, the hours of operation will be from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. It was asked how a situation would be handled if it is after closing and there is someone still present in the establishment. Fraschetti stated if it is after 10 p.m., he will drive to the location and handle the situation.

There was further discussion regarding what sets Modern Suds aside from standard laundromats and the maintenance service of the machines. It was also asked if there will be a monitoring system if water lines break or experience any leaks. Fraschetti said there will be pressure sensors, which will be monitored with an alarm system.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Natalie Antosh asked Chief Housing and Zoning Inspector Sean Brennan if there is enough parking spaces between Body Revolution and Giuseppe’s Pizza and Subs for the new laundromat.

“When the addition was approved for Giuseppe’s, all of the parking was figured in at that time,” Brennan said. “Restaurants are more stringent with regard to parking, so as far as the parking goes and what the establishment is now being used for, there is enough parking.”