Beloved Bed-Stuy plant farm owner faces uncertainty after break-in
Seasons, a cherished neighborhood staple known for its plants and Christmas trees, was targeted by thieves who stole tools and trees.
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A beloved local business owner is grappling with uncertainty after her business was broken into this week.
Seasons, a cherished neighborhood staple known for its plants and Christmas trees, was targeted by thieves who stole tools and trees.
For the past 12 years, Seasons has been a go-to spot for Bed-Stuy residents to pick up Christmas trees and feel a sense of community.
“I knew these babies when they were just a gleam in their daddy's eyes,” Deborah Young said.
But this week, thieves broke into her lot, cutting through fencing and stealing two chainsaws, two saws, four hedge trimmers and the cash register, according to police reports.
Young said they also took Christmas trees.
“It was another straw, and I'm starting to feel my age,” she said.
Young faces additional challenges beyond the break-in. She has Parkinson’s disease and glaucoma, and her landlord recently informed her that the lot where Seasons operates is going up for sale. The asking price is $1.2 million, though she said it could drop to $900,000 if she buys it herself.
With these mounting pressures, Young fears this could be the last holiday season for Seasons.
“It’s going to be hard to give it up,” she said.
Young is well-known in Bed-Stuy, not just for her business but also for her contributions to the community. She has run a nonprofit for senior outreach, served on the PTA and block association, and participated in numerous other initiatives.
“I took my time to give back because my mom always said you can’t keep your blessings unless you give them away,” Young said. “I’ve always remembered that.”
Those who know her emphasize the depth of her impact.
“She is the community,” one resident said. Another added, “When you lose an icon like that, everything is diminished.”
Despite the challenges, Young remains reflective about her legacy.
“I was a part of my community,” she said. When the reporter suggested she’s been a big part, she modestly replied, “Eh.”
While the future of Seasons remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Deborah Young’s impact on Bedford-Stuyvesant cannot be stolen.
