Plan in the works to rescue Mahopac Farms property

MAHOPAC, N.Y.—When a 105,400-square-foot self-storage facility slated to be built on an iconic piece of property in Mahopac was approved by the town last fall, many residents were outraged. But now there may be hope of a growing future for at least some of the land through a plan that would restore the property’s legacy as an agricultural center.

Located west of Route 6 near the Mahopac/Somers border, the 33-acre parcel of land once was home to Mahopac Farms. Over the years the place has been home to everything from a petting zoo to a museum/theater to a livestock barn and more. But when the business faded, the property went into decline and neither the town nor county could secure the funds and grants to rescue it.

Last year, the site was purchased by Georgia-based Diamond Point Development, a developer of self-storage facilities. Diamond Point proposed a three-story, 800-unit storage facility for the property which was subsequently approved by the Planning Board. Residents and the town historian criticized town officials for approving what they deemed as an aesthetically challenged project unfit for the town’s southern gateway and for not preserving the town’s heritage.

But now, a plan calls for the former Ossining farm known as Fable: From Farm to Table to move to the old Mahopac Farms site.

Fable’s Vision

Fable is a family-run farm and food hub dedicated to sustainable agriculture and education. TJ and Kristin Deacon founded Fable because they “wanted a source of healthy, nutrient-rich food for their family that was free of harmful pesticides.” The Deacons founded Fable 10 years ago in Ossining but outgrew the location, precipitating their proposed move to Mahopac.

“A food hub is where you have many different things all around the food—the produce,” Tom Deacon explained. “You have things like recreation facilities, dinners, educational programs.”

While in Ossining, Fable worked with students in the local school district and had a program called Little Sprouts for kids in grades K-8.

“We had farm festivals with live music, vendors, a farmers market,” Deacon said.

At its peak, Fable boasted 18 full-time professional staff members and farmers, including an events coordinator and an education coordinator.

Deacon said having his farm in a suburban location rather than a rural setting is key to his vision of a true community Farm.

“Having a farm in a community is much more beneficial when people can shop weekly for fresh produce,” he said. “People tell me if you go upstate there is more land, but that defeats the purpose for me. Having it the suburbs is a priority.”

Fable: From Farm to Table features events, festivals, education programs, dining, and even weddings. But at the center of it all is the produce, which will be available at the farm’s market. Fable’s typical selection includes pasture-raised eggs, heirloom tomatoes, garlic, mesclun mix, squash, honey, mushrooms, microgreens, and more. The market will feature these foods as well as other produce and goods provided by local farms, bakers, and small businesses, including items such as bread and cheese.

However, Deacon cautions that the deal to move Fable to Mahopac Farms is not yet complete. He is still ironing out the sale with Diamond Point Development but is optimistic he can get it done soon.

“The property was sold last year and the new owners are graciously talking to us about selling us 20 acres,” he said. “We are still negotiating it. They would be providing a lot to the community.”

Deacon said the Mahopac property would provide Fable with land security, affordability, and the amenities needed to run a proper and modern farm operation. To support the farm’s mission with a donation, residents can visit its GoFundMe campaign. (Go to Gofundme.com, search Modern Farm and Food Hub, click on Fable.)

Fable’s fresh produce (including its pasture-raised eggs) is available for curbside pickup in Mahopac now. To place an order, text 914-862-0205.

Partnering With the Town

Supervisor Mike Cazzari said he fully supports the idea of Fable moving its operations to Mahopac, noting that figuring out what to do with the Mahopac Farms property has been one of his goals since he took office.

“For the past three years, I’ve been working to bring new life to the Mahopac Farm property. It had been neglected for years and become an eyesore,” he said. “Recently, I met with TJ Deacon, of Fable and I am fully supporting his efforts to make this vision a reality. [I would like to] restore this farm and create a place that will feed, educate and inspire future generations.”

Cazzari said he’s considered several ideas for the Mahopac Farms property, including moving the BOCES campus there, but none have panned out.

“Then Tom (TJ Deacon) came along, and I thought, this is tremendous. It is just what we want,” he said.

Cazzari said his vision extends beyond Fable. He said he wants the town to buy as much of the remaining 33 acres as possible. And if that can’t get done, he’d look to purchase some of the neighboring 300-plus acres.

Cazzari said the town could use it as a stormwater education center, which would help fulfill state requirements, and do so much more.

MS4 stormwater operators (such as the town of Carmel) are required to develop a stormwater management program to help reduce the discharge of pollutants.

“I had been seeking a farmer to partner with me in promoting my vision for a Stormwater Management Learning Center,” Cazzari said, noting it would be built adjacent to the Fable farm.

Cazzari said he fears the town’s agricultural roots are disappearing.

“Mahopac Farms was an iconic venue featured in The New York Times,” he said. “Since closing, it has been neglected and has become an eyesore. However, [I think] the property can be transformed.”

Cazzari said he envisions the town building an Environmental Science Learning Center, modeled after Duke Farms in New Jersey.

“At the new Learning Center, families will have the opportunity to embark on walking tours, exploring native plant species and immersing themselves in the area's natural beauty,” he said. “They can enroll in classes focused on green infrastructure, stormwater management, and efforts to reduce stormwater pollution. Through these programs, participants can learn how they can play a role in protecting our drinking water by minimizing pollutants and litter.”

The supervisor said the center’s overall mission would be to foster environmental literacy, change behaviors, and drive local action. At its core, the Learning Center would be both an educational hub and a place for the community to connect.

It would also provide support for the East of Hudson Watershed goals, Cazzari noted. By involving the community in the stewardship of water resources, he said the center could foster changes that benefit the watershed and could help ensure cleaner, healthier drinking water for future generations.

Cazzari believes there is funding for such a project and there would be no burden on the taxpayer.

“You can’t go on the dole and put it on the taxpayer,” he said. “That’s not sustainable. There are funds available, especially if we are to partner with [Fable]. We could get some good money.”

Possible funding sources, according to Cazzari, include Empire State Development, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the New York City Watershed Agricultural Council.

Cazzari said he would also explore getting funds from the New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection, noting it has already  assisted with Airport Park, Tilly Foster Farm, and the Putnam County Golf Course. He has also reached out to Sen. Pete Harckham’s office to see if he can help.

“The state actually wants homegrown produce,” Cazzari said.

He said partnering with Fable could make the project viewed more favorably for grants and funding. Because a farm can be a steady source of revenue, working with an business like Fable is more sustainable than the town working on its own.

Thumbs up from Sustainable Putnam

Sustainable Putnam, a local organization on a mission to develop sustainable communities across the count, has embraced the idea of Fable coming to Putnam.

“It would be great,” said Joe Montouri, Sustainable Putnam’s executive director. “No one is opposed to it that I’ve talked to. We would very much support this. It’s good for Mahopac in so many ways. It would be great to have farms nearby producing good, fresh quality food. It is great for food security and great for open space preservation. And small businesses (such as Fable) tend to spend their money locally.”

On its website, the organization notes that in Putnam County’s own 2004 Agricultural Protection Plan, farms contribute to the county’s distinctive character and cultural history.

“Agriculture has played a major role in the development of the county’s economic and cultural fabric,” the statement reads.
“Active farms add to the county’s unique community character, which is a powerful advantage in maintaining a high-quality, economically vibrant region.

“Agriculture is also the preferred land use for watersheds and protects water quality,” the statement continues. “Compared to developed land—which brings paved areas, septic systems, and roads—farmland has far less negative long-term impact on water quality. Farms that follow best management practices can even have a positive effect on local watersheds, making them vital for water conservation.”

Sustainable Putnam points out that at a time when New York State has launched an initiative aimed at conserving 30 percent of the state’s lands and waters by 2030, the Fable project is opportune.

“Putnam County should recognize that supporting existing small, family-owned farms is a much more effective and cost-effective path to real conservation,” the group said in a statement.

Montouri said farming is Putnam County’s legacy.

“It is the history of this area. [Putnam County] used to be no trees. It was all pastures and farmland. It would be a sham to see it disappear completely. Now, there are so many young, first-generation farmers here in Putnam. There are lots of new farms and that is really great.”

To learn more about Fable: Farm to Table, go to fablefoods.com.