BOXFORD — Windrush Farm yesterday said a complex $3.5 million land deal is required to protect the therapeutic riding center from development.
"If it doesn't happen, then it very possibly could go to the highest bidder," said Jennifer Tartaglia, who leads fundraising efforts for the agency.
Windrush is campaigning for North Andover to spend $2.5 million in open space funding for 188 acres in that town. The nonprofit is also trying to raise $1 million so it can buy the 35 acres it currently uses in Boxford and North Andover. Both tracts would likely be placed under conservation restrictions.
If either part of the deal falls through, the whole farm could be at risk, Tartaglia said.
The property is owned by Marjorie Kittredge, who founded the farm and riding organization 45 years ago. Although she's still a board member, she's also a landlord who is getting older and trying to plan for the future of her family, Tartaglia said.
Kittredge was in rehabilitation yesterday and could not be reached for comment.
Windrush Farm's last IRS filing showed the nonprofit to be in good financial shape, with about $1.4 million in assets divided mostly between money and buildings. It said Kittredge was renting office space worth $24,000 to the nonprofit for just $1 a year.
Tartaglia said the land purchase is a good deal for town residents and donors, with the proposed sale price some $1.2 million less than the assessed value. Windrush Farm would also be able to continue operating. The therapeutic riding facility serves about 100 riders a week with emotional, mental and physical disabilities.
North Andover residents will consider their side of the deal at the May 12 Town Meeting, when they'll be asked to pay $2.5 million for 188 acres.
Windrush has raised some $380,000 to buy the remaining land.
In a statement, John Simons, leader of the North Andover Community Preservation Committee and the Planning Board, said the complex deal would match $1.7 million from North Andover with $1.8 million in state and private funding.
"If voters do not approve the purchase, it is likely that the highly developable land will become another ordinary subdivision," he said.
The North Andover selectmen, Finance Committee and Planning Board will make a recommendation on the purchase at Town Meeting.
The Trust for Public Land, a charity conservation organization, is coordinating the deal. Essex County Greenbelt would likely hold a conservation restriction on the land, preventing development.
At a glance
May 2: Windrush Farm holds an open house, 1 to 4 p.m., to show the properties.
May 12: North Andover Town Meeting considers a $2.5 million deal for 188 acres.
Oct. 31: Deadline for Windrush Farm to raise $1 million for its share of the land.
Later: The Trust for Public Land, possibly with Essex County Greenbelt, protects the land from development.
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