Overview
- On July 29 the Senate passed a redrafted bill authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to pursue eminent domain for the 11-acre Norwood Hospital property.
- The measure requires a competitive process limited to nonprofit bidders, directs the Inspector General to review and approve appraisals, and makes any land taking subject to a legislative appropriation.
- Medical Properties Trust, which owns the site, says it has invested about $350 million and prefers to finish construction with an operator, and talks with Mass General Brigham collapsed after MPT raised its asking price.
- If signed into law, DCAMM would transfer control of the property to state health authorities for conveyance or lease to a qualified nonprofit and the bill includes contingency options through 2033 if no buyer completes a purchase.
- Local officials hailed the vote as a turning point for restoring emergency and inpatient care to the region, and the House must reconcile its earlier, narrower bill with the Senate’s expanded plan before the July 31 session deadline.