Wichita laundromat cited over illegal gambling could shut down

The City of Wichita is attempting to shut down a laundromat due to concerns with illegal gambling. It's the Fabric Care Center near Harry and George Washington.

Fabric Care Center has been reported several times for illegal gambling over the last two years and neighbors say they're tired of the criminal activity

Gary Carty lives across the street from the laundromat and says in the eight months he's lived in the area he's seen a lot of police presence.

"Any given Friday or Saturday night, usually when I see lights coming through my windows, which are police officer lights, when I step out there in the laundromat parking lot, there’s something going on over there," said Carty.

I spoke with Brandon Johnson, the representative for the first district on the Wichita City Council where this laundromat is located. He says he's aware of the situation.

“I believe it is imperative that we do all we can to keep our community safe. Seeing the increase in criminal activity is worrisome and illegal gambling at establishments such as this has been an issue that arises from time to time and Wichita Police Department has been good about addressing it quickly,” said Johnson in a statement.

The owner of the laundromat Benedict Klenda is scheduled to appear in Sedwick County District Court next Wednesday (April 3). For now, his business will stay open unless a Sedgwick County judge approves the city's request to shut the business down.