Stan Hatoff's may have the best gas prices in Boston and it might be torn down for condos
JAMAICA PLAIN - A plan to tear down a popular gas station in Jamaica Plain is driving a debate over growth in Boston.
Stan Hatoff's on Washington Street has been in the neighborhood for decades and the beloved institution might be at risk of being replaced.
"Seems like this part of Washington Street, the developers keep coming closer and closer to some of the multi-cultural businesses, small businesses," said neighbor Jaime Malzman.
A meeting hosted by the Stony Brook Neighborhood Association in Jamaica Plain discussed the possibility of replacing Hatoff's gas station and the adjacent Acme auto body shop with new condos, a change neighbors aren't ready for.
"I'm hoping that we don't lose our gas station," Malzman told WBZ-TV.
Though, neighbors admit housing is needed. The potential new development will reportedly be a mixed-use building with space for affordable housing.
"Landlord prices are high. I hate to see condos like what happened in the Seaport," said Malzman.
It's a tale as old as time, communities protecting their neighborhood institutions or businesses against redevelopment but it's never for a gas station, so what makes Stan's special?
"Everybody comes here. It's the best priced gas in Boston," said Elizabeth Johnson, who moved to Jamaica Plain just a few years ago and Stan's was a selling point. "I heard about it from our realtor. He said Stan's is right near where we're looking."
According to AAA, the state average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.39 and for premium $4.32. At Stan Hatoff's on November 29, regular dropped by 14 cents to $3.25 and premium by more than 30 cents.
"There are people who have lived here for decades with their families and building new condos is going to change the fabric of our neighborhood," said Johnson.
WBZ reached out to the development company involved, as well as the city to ask about a potential timeline but did not immediately hear back.
