Community rallies for Mott Haven garden plagued by theft
A community is gathering together to support a local garden that has been the victim of two burglaries.
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Jan 11, 2019, 12:18 PM
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Updated 2,368 days ago
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A community is gathering together to support a local garden that has been the victim of two burglaries.
As first reported in the Mott Haven Herald, Padre Plaza Success Community Garden had two burglaries in the last year.
News 12 is told thousands of dollars of equipment and tools were taken from the Mott Haven garden, leaving those in charge having to put many events on hold.
The burglaries have left the stage, that is normally decorated as a winter wonderland this time of year, left in the dark.
“They broke into the bottom lock and took all the power tools out,” says Michael Young of the Padre Plaza Success Garden.
“They broke into the bottom lock and took all the power tools out,” says Michael Young of the Padre Plaza Success Garden.
Earlier last year a generator used to power the lights for both the winter wonderland celebration and haunted house was stolen from the garden on St. Ann’s Avenue.
Young, who has been a driving force behind the Padre Plaza Success Community Garden, says the thefts have impacted his work as a carpenter
“I can't even work right now without my tools,” says Young.
“I can't even work right now without my tools,” says Young.
Thankfully for Young and his wife Shelia, the community has come together to support them and the garden.
A GoFundMe page has been set up and Councilwoman Diana Ayala has also shown her support. Ayala told News 12 in part, “Mike and Sheila have worked tirelessly to transform the garden and deserve any help we can provide. I am working closely with a local nonprofit to help the gardeners recuperate the tools that were stolen from them, so they can resume their efforts."
Young says he is not giving up. He is still gearing up to help other community gardens in the area and has a message for the thieves.
“Instead of stealing, help build the community up. Do something productive with your life. Don't be a thief,” says young.
Young says he is not giving up. He is still gearing up to help other community gardens in the area and has a message for the thieves.
“Instead of stealing, help build the community up. Do something productive with your life. Don't be a thief,” says young.
Police tell News 12 they are investigating the burglaries.
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