The DePiero farm is one of the last of a dying breed, a 28-acre agricultural concern in the middle of a Bergen County long crisscrossed with highways and dotted with housing developments, strip malls and offices. The farm's days are now officially numbered.
MONTVALE -- The DePiero farm is one of the last of a dying breed, a 28-acre agricultural concern in the middle of a Bergen County long crisscrossed with highways and dotted with housing developments, strip malls and offices. The farm's days are now officially numbered.
Work began Thursday on a 225,000-square-foot shopping center on the site of the longtime farm as officials broke ground on the project.
The DePiero family decided more than 7 years ago that the farm, open since 1924, was no longer viable. The family, which declined to comment to NJ Advance Media, entered into a joint venture with S. Hekemian Group, a real estate developer based in Paramus.
Pete Hekemian, senior managing director for the firm, said he remembered bringing his own family to the farm for hayrides in the fall.
"To be in the process to get rid of the farm was something I struggled with," Hekemian said. "But then we came to realize the farm had to change."
RELATED: Montvale rezones DePiero's Farm to make way for Wegmans
Hekemian and the borough went through a contentious approval process over the next seven years, with dozens of late-night meetings that drew vocal opposition from many residents, loath to see the farm disappear. Mayor Roger Fyfe said the shopping center, to be anchored by a Wegmans supermarket, was the best option, given that the zoning at the site allowed for a massive housing development.
"I can't think of anything that would be better," he said.
The design of the development will take inspiration from the farm, with rustic-looking buildings, environmentally friendly elements and walking paths, as well as seven acres of open space.
When it opens, the Wegmans will be the first Bergen County location for the Gates, N.Y.-based chain. Hekemian said he hoped to construct the Wegmans building pad by April 1, after which Wegmans plans to spend 15 months on construction and training.
Aside from Wegmans, Habit Burger Grill, Chipotle, Ulta Beauty, European Wax Center, Starbucks, 1808 Fine Men's Barber, Urban Place Farm to Table, FedEx/Kinko's and Not Your Average Joe's have committed to the development, Brian Silbert of Silbert Realty & Management, exclusive leasing agents for the property, said.
While construction starts this fall, Hekemian said he would leave room for DePieros to offer one last season of hay rides to local children.
Assemblyman Robert Auth (R-Bergen, Passaic) said the DePerios would leave a lasting impact.
"You have a legacy in Bergen County," he said to the family at the groundbreaking. "You have a legacy in Montvale that we're never going to forget."
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.