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Advertisement Jamaica Plain small businesses say new owner pushing them out Owners say demands are unaffordable, minority businesses at stake Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Egleston Square in Boston is lined with local minority businesses.Watch the reportNow changing times are squeezing people out.The businesses pride themselves on serving their community. But seven of them could be forced out, because they say their new landlord's lease has priced them out.Cecilia Quiros received a Boston Best Business award last year. This year she faces possible eviction.Quiros owns Washington Fragrances and gift shop.She and six other minority-owned businesses in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Egleston Square have a new landlord."We only have the business to support our family, we don't have a lot of money. And they want only money for them," said Quiros.City Realty bought the foreclosed properties on Washington Street in Egleston Square at auction in April.Under the new lease, tenants said the increases are unaffordable. All have refused to sign."They are making the business owners pay what's called 'triple net,' including a higher percentage of property taxes and utilities. When we add the numbers this will be 40 percent more, " said Juan Gonzalez of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.Initial lease negotiations have broken down."We need to pay rent, we need to pay bills," said Santo Ramirez, who owns Anibal Color Studio.Santo Ramirez, who has runs a multiservice business in Egleston Square for five years, said the new owners just want them out."They have another thing in mind for the property they bought," said Ramirez.He said a clause in the lease gives one years notice and $2,500 toward moving costs in case the buildings are demolished."They are trying in some way to push out everyone," said Ramirez.That's caused growing concern that a minority community that's worked so hard to thrive, will lose not only their businesses but their identity."Who is going to come here? Who will pay higher rents and then the nature of this community is changing," said Ramirez.News Center 5 made numerous attempts to contact City Realty. One business owner has already closed up shop.