Keep U Neat Cleaners in Antioch Reopens After Crime Concerns

After dealing with several setbacks and temporary being forced to close because of crime and vandalism, Keep U Neat Cleaners in the City of Antioch has reopened.

Located at 2028 A Street in Antioch, the business has been open since 1947 offering dry cleaning services, clothing alterations, clothing repairs and laundry services. Other services include cleanings of variety of clothing and household items, such as suits, uniforms, coats, leather, lab coats, curtains and quilts that cannot be washed at home. They also offer drive-through service for people to drop off and pick up.

Owner Maggie Saucedo is ready to give it another go after a rough couple of years that had her nearly give up after dealing with 7 burglaries, 6 broken windows, constant graffiti and homeless issues. For various reasons beyond her control, it has led to inconsistent store hours and staffing, but she is determined to move forward.

She is also hoping new leadership within the City of Antioch will begin to focus on the A Street corridor and supporting local business with revitalization efforts in the neighborhood.

“I want to see progress in Antioch,” says Saucedo. “I am hoping issues in the neighborhood will be resolved and we can begin to thrive again. But it starts with letting people know our doors are back open and providing a superior service so the word spreads we are open again.”

It hasn’t been easy for Saucedo noting crime and blight have caused her to run a business with inconsistent hours along with safety concerns for not only herself, but customers–some even just staying away from Antioch all together.

Her goal now is to focus on providing the best possible service, hoping with modified, yet consistent hours, customers will return as the area improves.

She admits it was somewhat overwhelming as over the past year, costs to stay open increased by having to pay nearly $1,000 to repair multiple broken windows, replace nearly $9,000 in stolen equipment and materials. Time was also spent working with the property owner to invest in a new alarm system and camera system–it all took time away from her business as they fortified the building for safety.

All of this caused her to be closed for several months to be able to afford to reopen while working with new property owner Sean McCauley to properly secure the building.

Compounding crime and blight, homeless in the area also impacted the business.  Some days, Saucedo  woke them up while they were sleeping at the front door of the business. Other days, she would find them using her power to charge their phones, plug in space heaters or even using a computer—all electricity she was stuck paying for.

“Some days, I really felt like giving up, but Sean McCauley gave me a lot of support and that is why I am still here,” explained Saucedo. “It was much more than I was expecting. For me to give up, it’s hard. It’s been here since the 1940’s and it’s not fair to just close down. I survived the pandemic, and I don’t feel like its my time to close down.”

According to McCauley, owner of several properties in the city, said he hopes the City of Antioch will begin to focus on A Street as it’s the gateway to the Rivertown District and is the first and last thing people see when getting on and off Highway 4.

“We have to give a good first impression when exiting off Highway 4 and heading into the city, just as we have to give a lasting impression when people leave the city,” explained McCauley. “With a new city council, I am confident there will be a better focus on economic development and helping our local business community be successful. That starts with helping them stay open within Antioch city limits.”

Maggie Saucedo in 1989 when she took over the business

For Saucedo, its a business that she has put her life into the business. She began working for the original owner in 1989 and then taking over the business in 2010.

“I really want my business to thrive like it was before. We are down 70%.  It was very successful before the neighborhood turned. Sometimes, I just don’t feel secure even myself down here, but it will get better,” explained Saucedo. “It’s depressing some days but I still open and I want to serve my customers and provide a good service. It will get better.”

Keep U Neat Cleaners is not the only business who has suffered in the A Street corridor, but Service Pros Plumbers have also dealt with blight, crime and vandalism on Railroad Avenue. This includes burglary and vandalism—including an RV fire in front of their business.

The City of Antioch says its aware of homeless at the end of Railroad at C Street and are working on a solution. Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington said he believes they will have a solid strategy going forward.

Nearly elected Mayor Ron Bernal said the night he was sworn in that he is looking forward to helping local business thrive and wants them to participate in the process of shaping and achieving a successful future in Antioch as they revitalize the city. He is committed to working to improve public safety and make it a safer city for all.

Keep U Neat Cleaners (2028 A Street, Antioch)

• Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Discovery Cleaners (1540 Discovery Bay Blvd F, Discovery Bay, CA)

• Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

If you are a Contra Costa County Business and have a story to potential tell, please contact [email protected] for consideration.