Massachusetts Senate approves eminent‑domain bill to seize Norwood Hospital

The Massachusetts Senate passed Bill H. 5553, authorising the Commonwealth to acquire the flood‑damaged Norwood Hospital property through eminent domain. The legislation would transfer the 800 Washington Street site to the Department of Public Health, which could then convey or lease it to a qualified nonprofit health operator.

Norwood Hospital has remained closed since a 2020 flood forced evacuation and extensive damage. Construction halted in 2024 when the former owner, Steward Health Care, filed for bankruptcy, leaving the unfinished building idle. The bill, which follows a unanimous House approval on July 1, also directs the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to take the 11‑acre property from its current owner, Medical Properties Trust, an Alabama‑based REIT. If enacted, the eminent‑domain process would begin on Nov. 1, aiming to reopen the facility for the surrounding community.