One of the last gas stations in the neighborhood has closed, and a large development is likely going to go up in its place. The BP station at 110th street and Central Park West shut down in the past few days. The person who answered the phone on Tuesday told us the city was taking possession of the site. The Bloomberg administration wants a residential and retail development to rise on the site.
Unless we’re mistaken, that leaves just one gas station on the Upper West Side — the one on the North side of 96th street near Riverside Drive. The 110th street station, which has apparently been open since 1981, also had a car repair shop. Yoni, who tipped us off to the closing, says “they’ve been the only neighborhood mechanic for about 25+ years and are all losing their jobs.”
The site was privately owned, at least as of last year, but the city had claimed that it had the right to reacquire it as part of the deed of sale.
The city put out a request for expressions of interest last year for developers to build on the site, asking for them to include affordable housing in the development, as well as retail space, including a spot for the current owner to possibly rent. Local councilwoman Inez Dickens had opposed the city’s plan to take possession of the site, because she said the gas station is needed and didn’t want the business owner to lose everything he had invested.
The owner of the gas station sued the city in August 2012, claiming that its right to reacquire the property had already run out. He said that that closing the station would put 21 people out of work.
“They didn’t want it when it was in such terrible disarray over there, and now that things are good, they want to take it and do something different with it,” [owner Carmie] Elmore told The Post. “I understand what they want, but I know it’s not right, and I know it’s not fair, and that’s why we’re fighting it.”
If the city did purchase the lot, it will be interesting to find out how much was paid: the real estate there has risen astronomically since the current owner bought the land in 1996.
Update: The station is now operating as a Western Union, according to Harlem Condo Life, but is unlikely to stay that way.
Old News…..
The city took this over to build a development site. There have been several bids placed last year. See Link
https://therealdeal.com/blog/2012/08/29/peebles-reveals-plans-for-iconic-west-harlem-condo/
The RFEI is old news. The fact that it closed is very new news.
it will be interesting to see if the right wingers on this site who are forever yelping about “property rights” have any complaints here. clearly the property rights of the small businessman are giving way to the “property rights” of the rich developers. Bloomberg is consistent to the end.
there is no reason that anything other than 100% affordable housing should be in cluded — why is luxury housing needed at all?
Well, Bruce I think we actually agree on something, shocking as it is. From what i understand the long time owner of the station and land was forced (somehow) to sell to the land to the city at an under market price. I am for eminent domain when needed, but I do not see any public benefit for the taking of this property without just compensation.
Now Bruce, anywhere else the country I would be considered center left, but compared to you and the your comrades in the Peoples Upper West Republic I am to the right.
The owner has the right to sell for top dollar and the developer has the right to sell market rate units for whatever the market will stand. This is the system we live in. Affordable in New York means one thing: subsidized., by others. This taxpayers does not think his hard earned tax dollars should go to someone else’s new central park fronting apartment. Sorry Pal.
The reality is that market rate housing would not be super top dollar like Central Park West or Fifth Avenue. So these new units would be “affordable” to many who do not seek or qualify for handouts: the middle class. A new condo here would also do help anchor the area and fill in the gap in central parks great wall of masonry.
Speaking of Great Wall, Bruce even China recognizes communism as a failed concept. You should too.
it must be nice to throw around insults and venom anonymously. good for you!! and at the same time try to mislead non-regulars into thinking you are the editor of the blog.
at least i now know you are a man… no woman would use phrases like “Sorry Pal”, dripping with arrogance.
of course you don’t want your “hard earned tax dollars” paying for affordable housing (although it could be done costing the city nothing) — but you love everyone subsidizing your mortgage through the Mortgage Interest Deduction.
As for being “center left” elsewhere in the country — BS. that’s what all the Upper West Side right wingers like to say.
The gas there was typically much cheaper than on 96th.
Gold bullion is cheaper than gas at the station on West 96th and the beach. There is also the added challenge of not running over a pedestrian entering and leaving (backing out) or getting T-boned by someone already up to highway speed heading for the West Side Highway on ramp. Hess at W44/10th is really the only sane option now.
Does anyone know where the staff from the car repair will be now that BP has closed?
They were the BEST mechanics in all of nyc.
I’d be willing to travel to wherever they end up to get my car serviced–they’re that good!
I agree with Diane. These guys were great mechanics. Anyone – Please let us know where they’ve gone. Thanks
Anyone know how the Community Board has reacted? (Aside from the council member.) I’d be curious if the immediately adjacent residents want retail offerings other than a gas station/mechanic.
I, too, want to know where the mechanics have gone. Tommy and his crew saved us so many times — with three different cars. They treated us like family, especially when I had to show up with a baby or toddler in tow. We would go anywhere to have Tommy service our car.
I too depended on this place and Tommy for repairs and inspections. Tommy was always so honest and smart. He and all the guys there were very helpful. Does anyone know where he’s gone and I too will give him my business. Any news, address, phone numbers would be appreciated if Tommy and his crew set up somewhere else. They always accommodated the myriad schedules of New Yorkers and didn’t rip any one off. Tommy, keep us posted!
How can the City grab someone’s property. On what basis? And what kind of compensation is the person who ownes the land intitled to? I thought Bloomberg was on his way out? Nothing makes sense.
I remember a time not too long ago when New Yorkers didn’t own cars! That was really nice. No horns going off 24 hours a day. Less pollution. Buses could actually go faster than someone walking the same route.
We have the best subway system in the world. I know it’s crowded and dirty, but it’s really fast. Failing that, use a cab to get around. The congestion is horendous in this city.
Too bad…a great place to get an inspection and not be ripped off for un-needed fixes. Now where do we go???
Tommy and his crew are all unemployed now. And so are all the wonderful people who worked so hard inside the store. Tommy is going to Trinidad until mid March. Upon his return he said he will try and find a place to set up shop again with Manuel and perhaps others. He mentioned the station up on 131st Street. I have his number and will post here when I hear any news if and when he sets up shop again. It was very sad for everyone. This was a true neighborhood business that served many. If anyone finds a decent place in the meantime for car repair and servicing, please post here.
Hi Neighbors,
I spoke to Manuel (Tommy’s right hand man) today. Tommy is still in Trinidad–too cold here this winter :-). He should be back soon. Manuel said that Tommy is hoping to get a garage for him and the crew when he returns. Manuel will contact me as soon as they are up and running again. When I hear something I will post here.
In the meantime, can someone recommend a reliable place for an oil change and inspection? Thanks.
I need to speak with Manuel, please may I have his phone number or where can I go to see him, I am an old customer too.
Hi Neighbor!
Thanks so much for following up with your posts.
I’ve been checking this article every day hoping to hear where to find Tommy and Manuel.
Please post again when you hear where he’s relocated.
You’d written that Tommy would be returning in March. Please write to let us know if Tommy has come back and how to contact him. I don’t want to bring my car to anyone else. Thanks!
I, too, would love to know where Tommy winds up to bring some business his way. Please, WSR, keep us posted.
Darn, we learned about this too late. We are Tommy’s customers too and will be hoping to learn if/when he finds a new shop to service his loyal clients.
Thanks for the ray of hope that someone is still in touch with Tommy. The garage closed before I could get his contact info.
Hope this thread is still ‘live’ when he returns in March.
When you discover where they end up, please ask if WSR editors would post where we can find Tommy and his crew.
Where did Tom the great auto mechanic relocate to after the BP station closed?????
I need Tommy the mechanic, to reach out to us. He was so great. On a Dec 21 post, someone writes that they have Tommy’s number! Fantastic! Even if you could call him and tell him to set up a special email for people looking for him. you could post it here for example. I would greatly appreciate re connecting with that him and so would my car!
I don’t want to lose Tom !
I am another Tom admirer – hoping he will find a new spot in neighborhood
I, too, am a great Tom follower, patron, devotee, etc. So please let us know where he lands back in NYC
THIS IS TOM FROM 110 ST SORRY I DID NOT KNOW THAT THE SHOP WAS CLOSING ANY WAY 1 AND THE GUYS IS TRYING TO LOCATE A GARAGE IN THE NEIGHBOR HOOD. IT IS VERY HARD IN THE MEAN TIME YOU CAN GO TO 106 ST 1ST AVE MISS YOU GUYS SINCERELY TOM WILL KEEP IN TOUCH
PHONE NUMBER 212 733 4996
Thank you so much for making yourself reachable.Hopefully we,and our cars,can reunite with you”in time”.
Just had my car inspected at 106th and 1st as per Tom’s suggestion.No ripoff,no drama or uneccessary work.I am sooooo relieved.Still hope to reunite with Tom.
Oh, happy day! I’ve been checking this site each day for news of your return.
So glad to hear you’re back up in nyc. Thanks so much for your phone number. We, and our cars, miss you and the gang.