By Michael Coughlin Jr.

A proposal to expand Hatoff’s Gas Station was slated to be heard and ruled on during the Zoning Board of Appeal’s (ZBA) hearing at the end of November; however, at the request of an attorney representing the proponent, the item was deferred until the end of January. Per the ZBA’s agenda for the abovementioned meeting, the project, listed with an address of 2-14 Kenton Road, entails constructing a covered gas pump island along with site improvements and landscaping. The agenda also notes that a building at the rear of the property is proposed to be razed on a separate permit. Attorney Timothy Fraser of Dain, Torpy, Le Ray, Wiest & Garner, P.C., who indicated he was newly added council, sought the deferral, citing “additional work to do with some abutters in the community.”

The project has received pushback from the community in that the Stonybrook Neighborhood Association (SNA) unanimously voted to oppose the proposal, and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council’s (JPNC) Zoning Committee was also unanimously in opposition to the proposal, according to an email from SNA’s Steering Committee. As for why the SNA opposed the project, the abovementioned email cites concerns about the potential for an up to 66% increase in traffic, an increase in trash, an increase in noise and air pollution, light pollution, health and environmental impacts, and more. Additionally, the email provided a statement from direct abutters who voiced concerns about the proposal, describing Hatoff’s as a “neglectful and disrespectful” neighbor, citing issues with trash, traffic, noise, and more. It should also be noted that the Hatoff’s expansion proposal has been a big topic of discussion in relation to another project undergoing Article 80 review that would bring two new buildings and several units at 3430 and 3440 Washington Street. Specifically, members of the Impact Advisory Group (IAG) for the Article 80 project questioned how an expansion of Hatoff’s and the future construction of a residential building on the same property meshed at an IAG meeting in October covered by the Jamaica Plain Gazette — https://jamaicaplaingazette.com/2024/10/25/3430-3440-washington-street-project-presented-at-iag-meeting/#google_vignette. It should be noted that a representative from the Planning Department and the developer at the October IAG meeting said the two projects were separate. As for when the Hatoff’s expansion proposal is slated to be heard, the ZBA voted unanimously to defer the item until the January 28th hearing. For more information about the ZBA and to view upcoming meeting agendas, visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services/zoning-board-appeal.