How much green can rich town afford?

While other towns are struggling to find ways to build new schools and replace outmoded fire stations, Weston is asking its residents to spend $22.5 million on 62 acres of rolling fields and forest.

And judging by the green signs of support around town and lack of organized resistance, they may well vote "yes" at the polls Tuesday on a ballot question asking for a debt exclusion. That would set the stage for a vote the next night on the purchase itself by a Special Town Meeting.

Harvard University said it would sell the property, known as the Case Estates, to Weston for the same price offered by a developer. Town zoning would allow up to 30 houses on one-acre lots.

If any town can afford the purchase, it is Weston. Its median income is the highest in the state -- $154,000, according to the 2000 census. The town also has the distinction of having the highest average property tax bill in the state: $12,865.

Weston officials said the purchase price could be offset if part of the property is sold off for house lots. In addition, the nonprofit Case Fund has launched a campaign for donations.

William Brady, who is helping to spearhead the effort, said the Case Fund board has voted not to disclose how much has been pledged so far.

Most residents interviewed on Wednesday supported the purchase. The few people who expressed misgivings declined to be identified.

"It's beautiful land. It should be preserved as open space," said Nancy Baer , 78, as she played bridge at the Council on Aging.

"We can develop some of it and get back some of the investment," said Baer, who has lived in Weston for 47 years. She added that she would like to see low- and moderate- income housing on some of the land.

Katarina Krek grew up in Weston and moved back here about 15 years ago to raise her family. Noting that the part of Boston Post Road where she lived as a child was now "overbuilt," Krek said she feared seeing Wellesley and Ash streets suffer the same fate. She already enjoys the existing green space -- Wednesday found her at a soccer practice for her young son at a playing field opposite the Case Estates.

"I'm going to vote to save it, and I'm probably one of those that taxes are more of a concern," said Krek, 44, as she watched her son play soccer on a field opposite the Case Estates. "I've enjoyed this area and land as a kid, and I would like my children to enjoy it, too."

Overdevelopment was also the concern of Jay O'Laughlin, who has lived in town for 17 years.

"The traffic is unbelievable, the schools are maxing out for their size," said O'Laughlin, 51, who said he often jogs on the Case Estates' trails. "The price is worth it for the town."

Residents have approved the last three requests for tax hikes -- in 2001, 2002, and earlier this year. But town officials, while supporting the Case purchase, worry that taxpayers may balk at future override requests, such as for school repairs and a new public works building.

"I think it's important to lay out all the information for the voters as best we can right now," said Selectman Steven Charlip . "We're using very conservative numbers here, assuming worst-case scenario for whatever we do for the Field School, no state matching, highest cost for the DPW facility."

Charlip added, "There are a good number of people in town who are struggling with their tax bills now. . .. We have to figure out how to address that part of the community without assuming that everyone can afford it."

Stephanie V. Siek can be reached via e-mail at ssiek@globe.com .