Negotiations for sale of Mahopac Farm still pending

MAHOPAC, N.Y.—A plan to turn the old Mahopac Farm property off Route 6 and Baldwin Place into a working farm, food hub and education center is still pending, although negotiations for the sale of the property have dragged on longer than expected.

Earlier this year, Tom Deacon, proprietor of Fable: Farm to Table, also known as Fable Farms, announced plans to purchase a 20-acre parcel of land at the iconic Mahopac property and build a farm and food hub, which would feature a market that would sell seasonal fresh produce and eggs. It would also offer classes and act as a wedding venue.

The Mahopac Farm property has been many things over the years before being abandoned and falling into disrepair, including a country store, petting zoo, museum, antiques store and playhouse.

The plan, which has the full support of the town government, calls for Deacon to purchase the property from Diamond Point Development, a Roswell, Ga.-based company that builds self-storage facilities throughout the country. Diamond Point is currently in the process of building a self-storage facility on the Mahopac Farm property.

Negotiations between Deacon and Diamond Point have been ongoing but were slowed earlier this summer when a construction accident killed a worker on the site of the self-storage facility. Deacon said he wanted to give the company some time to mourn but now talks have picked up again.

Deacon said the two parties have agreed on a price, and he’s shown proof of his ability to pay.

“We’ve signed a mutually agreed-upon letter of intent, and our attorneys have drafted a contract,” Deacon told Mahopac News. “This is an exciting step forward, not just for us, but for the community that’s eager to see this farmland used in a way that benefits Mahopac families.”

Deacon said Diamond Point executives have been “cordial” during the negotiations.

“They’ve been very kind. We’ve had many Zoom meetings,” he said.

Fable: Farm to Table previously rented space in Ossining to operate its farm but his lease there has since expired.

“But by owning our own land, we can do much more,” he said.

Deacon is still running a small operation on a piece of his own property, which is why he is anxious to move to Mahopac.

“We are only doing about 5 percent of what we used to do so we are excited about getting this up and running,” he said. “It’s a proven model that works. We just need to find a place.”

During its 10 years in Ossining, Fable: Farm to Table saw:

· 358,394 pounds of local vegetables sold
· 237,040 eggs hand-picked
· 23,031 baked goods from local artisans sold
· 31,780 pounds of local vegetables donated
· 1,136 farm animals free-ranged and cared for
· 1,687 students taught about food and farming

Deacon said he and Diamond Point have been in discussions for nearly a year and now he wants to let residents know what is happening and the benefits that the project could provide.

“We are just trying to get the word out about the farm and classes that we would provide the community,” he said. “We want everyone to be aware of the job opportunities. It’s a win-win-win situation. Diamond Point would create a lot of goodwill. We’d be creating a farm in the suburbs and that is difficult to do. And for the town, there will be jobs, education and fresh produce.”

Deacon said Diamond Point executives wanted to see an architectural rendering of the Fable Farm plans and he has since sent one to them.

“They wanted to see a site plan or master plan. We hired an architect and sent them one,” he said. “Now, we have hammered out the final points of the contract and are just waiting to hear back. We are financially prepared to make the deal.”

Requests for comment from Diamond Point were not returned by press time.

Deacon said he is working with Carmel-based Insite Engineering to develop the plans for the farm and is using the law firm of Cuddy & Feder for his legal representation.

Deacon added that there is also a great opportunity for grant funding for the project and he recently attended a meeting about the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant. All towns are eligible to apply, and last year Carmel finished second behind Poughkeepsie.

“Now, [Carmel] wants to include Fable in the application,” Deacon said. “That money could provide the infrastructure for the farm. It could be $10 million. That would be huge. [Supervisor] Mike [Cazzari] thinks we have a really good shot now that Fable is included.”

Cazzari said doing something with the Mahopac Farm property has been a priority for him since he’s taken office.

“From the town’s perspective, this potential sale represents far more than a real estate transaction,” he said. “It’s a chance to restore a valuable community asset that aligns with our shared priorities and enhances the character of the town. At a time when many residents are concerned about changes to Mahopac’s landscape, welcoming an organization like Fable would be a strong step toward positive, lasting progress.”

Cazzari said that while he understands that this is a private transaction, he wants Diamond Point and the community to know that the Town Board fully supports Fable’s vision and would be happy to assist in “facilitating a smooth and timely process.”

The supervisor said he’s received more emails on the Fable Farm plan than just about any other issue since he’s been supervisor, and he shared some of those with Mahopac News.

“I have been a fan of Fable for many years. At a time when we are losing farmland at such a fast rate, it is important to preserve farmland,” wrote Lindsay of Westchester County. “Fable's ability to promote and provide sustainable farming, fresh food and educational programs is unique and exciting in our area.”

Nancy G. said she has lived in Mahopac since 1957 and worked at Mahopac Farm from 1974 through 1979 in the country store, museum and playhouse.

“It is refreshing to see the Fable Farm proposal, a proposal for something that will benefit the community and that will preserve some open land,” she wrote. “It is time that our town focus on preserving the open space that is left and attempt to attract businesses that would enhance our town rather than to continually urbanize it.”

Joan H. from Ossining also said that one of the most compelling aspects of the proposal is its commitment to preserving green space.

“In an era where undeveloped land is increasingly rare, safeguarding areas like Mahopac Farm property is paramount,” her letter to Cazzari read. “The town will benefit by preservation of more of its natural beauty and many ecological benefits, contributing to the overall well-being of residents. This project is an investment in the future of Carmel and the lower Hudson Valley.”

Judyth from Yorktown said she was a frequent customer when Fable had its market in Ossining.

“Over many years we have seen the benefits to our community of supporting the few family farms left,” she said. “Approving Fable Farm’s plan is a win-win. Increasingly rare local farmland will be preserved, and the Mahopac area will gain a vibrant community food hub.”

Deacon said he appreciates the community support and hopes it will make a difference in the negotiations.

“It’s clear the community values having a farm and food hub here, and we hope the town of Carmel will continue to be a partner in making that possible,” he said.