Overrides pass in Winchester

Winchester voters yesterday passed two overrides, overwhelmingly approving a $1.3 million tax increase and the $13.6 million purchase of the 20-acre Hamilton Farm.

The Winchester votes were the first in a series of override votes scheduled in more than two-dozen towns and cities in Massachusetts this year. Forty-nine percent of registered voters came to the polls.

According to preliminary numbers released by the town clerk, of the 6,559 votes cast, 5,159 were in favor of the Hamilton Farm purchase. That vote blocks national developer Avalon Bay from building a 260-unit rental complex on the largest open space in town.

Voters also approved an operating override by a margin of 4,248 to 2,295. Officials warned that without the extra money approved by that override, the town risked losing 30 teaching positions and a dozen clerical staff members, crossing guards, police, firefighters, and public works employees.

MELISSA BEECHER