More Plants Stolen from White Plains Beautification Foundation Gardens
There is a thief or thieves with horticultural knowledge running amok in White Plains, stealing bushes and plants from gardens built and maintained by the White Plains Beautification Foundation.
The most recent theft, noticed July 27th, is the removal of two rather large hibiscus plants from the organization’s newest garden, planted in late May this year. This theft is rather disturbing because the garden was planted by the Devine family in memory of their parents Tom and Marge Devine who passed away last winter. Thomas P. Devine Sr. died at 90 years old Oct 8, 2014. His wife Marge died December of the same year.
The family raised the money, with family and friends donating eagerly, and paid for the full cost of the garden, which was planted at the corner of S. Lexington and Prospect Street in Druss Park. The garden is located across the street from the home in which the couple had lived for many years and is in close proximity to St. Bernard’s Church, which the couple frequented.
White Plains Department of Public Works helped to clear the brush from the area to prepare the garden.
A police report has been filed and both the police and the Beautification Foundation hope the thieves will return the plants or someone will recognize two new hibiscus plants and lead police to the perpetrators.
A spokesperson for the Beautification Foundation said the family was so excited about the garden and now are very disappointed and angry that someone would steal these plants from a memorial garden. One hibiscus plant was left behind.
The White Plains Beautification Foundation is an all-volunteer organization, responsible for the many gardens in White Plains. The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with the installation of a clock at what is called the Amodio Triangle at the “Y” intersection at Mamaroneck Avenue and Bloomingdale Road, and a gala at the C.V. Rich Mansion on October 8. Visit wpbf.org for more information.
