North Andover voters have approved $2.5 million from the town's Community Preservation Act funds to buy 160 acres of Windrush Farm, which is the first step in preserving all 195 acres of the property.
The vote at Tuesday's Town Meeting was 291 in favor, four opposed.
For the deal to go through, Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation Inc. has until Oct. 31 to raise $1 million to purchase the portion of the land on which it operates its programs: 25 acres in North Andover and another 10 acres in Boxford.
Jennifer Tartaglia, development director for Windrush, said about $445,000 already has been raised. She said now that North Andover is supporting the land purchase, Windrush will officially launch the second phase of a capital campaign.
"This vote is a giant leap forward in our efforts to preserve all 195 acres of Windrush Farm," said Amanda Hogan, executive director of Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation.
Since 1964, the center has provided horse-assisted therapies for people with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
Its founder, Marjorie Kittredge, who lives on the property, is 85 and there has been concern that in coming years the property would be divided and developed.
The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit conservation organization, is facilitating purchase of the property on Lacy Street by the town of North Andover and Windrush for a total price of $3.5 million.
The Essex County Greenbelt Association would maintain a conservation restriction on the land to prevent future development.
The property - a mix of fields, forests, and wetlands - is adjacent to 1,600 acres of conservation land, including Boxford State Forest.
Proponents of the purchase have said it will safeguard an important wildlife habitat; protect a regional drinking water source; preserve an extensive network of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding; and ensure permanent public access.
Hogan said the purchase also would allow Windrush to expand programs for the public as well as continue its therapeutic work.
She said new programs could include community gardens, environmental study programs for North Andover students, and summer camps.
North Andover joined the Community Preservation Act program in 2001. Funding comes from a 3 percent property tax surcharge.
John Simons, chairman of both the North Andover Community Preservation Committee and the Planning Board, said money has accumulated in the fund over the years.
He said approval of the $2.5 million will not increase taxes in North Andover. It also is expected the town will be reimbursed $800,000 - $500,000 from the state Community Preservation Trust Fund and $300,000 from an Open Space Institute grant - leaving the total cost to the town at $1.7 million.
