Nearly six years after Norwood Hospital closed and two years after the work to rebuild the facility was abandoned, lawmakers on Thursday heard testimony about a bill that would allow the state to seize the property. State Rep. John Rogers and Sen. Michael Rush, whose districts include Norwood, proposed a bill that would authorize the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to take the land by eminent domain.Norwood Town Manager Tony Mazzucco encouraged residents to attend Thursday’s hearing to show support for the measure and submit written testimony for the committee to consider. Rogers was among those who testified at the hearing. The legislative effort comes as officials simultaneously attempt to pressure the landowner, Medical Properties Trust, to reach a deal over the property. Lawmakers also said they are in talks with a major hospital system that could eventually take over the site. History of Norwood HospitalOn June 28, 2020, more than 4 inches of rain fell in Norwood in approximately 90 minutes. In low-lying areas, like the parking lots outside the hospital, several feet of water collected rapidly.Surveillance footage from inside the hospital showed doors buckling under the pressure as water rushed in, slamming against furniture, equipment and boxes.Then-owner Steward Health Care originally said it planned to build a new hospital with more than 400,000 square feet of space including emergency services, 10 operating rooms, advanced diagnostic imaging services and space for outpatient services. Work started, but was never completed.In 2024, after Steward’s bankruptcy, two of the company’s hospitals in Massachusetts closed and state officials facilitated the sale of six others. Norwood Hospital became the property of MPT. Construction never resumed and the structure remains incomplete. Norwood Hospital’s license with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health expired in 2024. Last year, the town launched a website and marketing campaign to lure an operator and drum up public support.

BOSTON —

Nearly six years after Norwood Hospital closed and two years after the work to rebuild the facility was abandoned, lawmakers on Thursday heard testimony about a bill that would allow the state to seize the property.

State Rep. John Rogers and Sen. Michael Rush, whose districts include Norwood, proposed a bill that would authorize the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to take the land by eminent domain.

Norwood Town Manager Tony Mazzucco encouraged residents to attend Thursday’s hearing to show support for the measure and submit written testimony for the committee to consider.

Rogers was among those who testified at the hearing.

The legislative effort comes as officials simultaneously attempt to pressure the landowner, Medical Properties Trust, to reach a deal over the property. Lawmakers also said they are in talks with a major hospital system that could eventually take over the site.

History of Norwood Hospital

On June 28, 2020, more than 4 inches of rain fell in Norwood in approximately 90 minutes. In low-lying areas, like the parking lots outside the hospital, several feet of water collected rapidly.

Surveillance footage from inside the hospital showed doors buckling under the pressure as water rushed in, slamming against furniture, equipment and boxes.

Then-owner Steward Health Care originally said it planned to build a new hospital with more than 400,000 square feet of space including emergency services, 10 operating rooms, advanced diagnostic imaging services and space for outpatient services. Work started, but was never completed.

In 2024, after Steward’s bankruptcy, two of the company’s hospitals in Massachusetts closed and state officials facilitated the sale of six others. Norwood Hospital became the property of MPT. Construction never resumed and the structure remains incomplete.

Norwood Hospital’s license with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health expired in 2024.

Last year, the town launched a website and marketing campaign to lure an operator and drum up public support.