Former Township Getty Mechanic May Return Under New Operator

Ted Foundopoulos, the popular Washington Township mechanic who formerly ran the Getty on Washington Avenue, will likely be returning to the site when it reopens as a BP.

The Washington Township Planning Board approved revised plans and a soil movement permit for the gas station and garage during their meeting Wednesday night.

During the meeting, gas station operator Jin Yhu, of Old Tappan, promised neighbors that he would "run the station in a manner that is acceptable."

"I'm well-aware of the concerns residents have in this community," he said.

Foundopoulos said he had known Yhu for several years and intended to run the garage at the BP.

He had previously declined the opportunity to remain as the operator of the station because he lost a $58,000 security deposit when Getty Petroleum declared bankruptcy in late 2011. BP had wanted him to pay another deposit, he said then.

"I'd like to work with Jin to continue the things the community is accustomed to," Foundopoulos said Wednesday.

The amended plans approved this week include moving the pumps further apart to accommodate larger vehicles like SUVs, which were not as common when the station was first built. 

They will not sell diesel as had previously been considered, BP attorney Constantine Stamos said. He also reiterated that the "shop" mentioned on a sign above the garage refers to the "repair shop" after residents addressed concerns that they would sell food there.

The board also approved a soil movement permit Wednesday. The station will remove 592 cubic yards of material and replace it with 532 cubic yards, according to engineer William Vogt. They will also swap out three 30-year-old, 6,000-gallon tanks for a pair of new 15,000-gallon tanks. The larger tanks will mean deliveries are required less frequently.