Massachusetts towns take different tacks with hospital

As Newton-Wellesley Hospital prepares to discuss making monetary contributions to Framingham (MA) if it expands into the town, Newton defends its decision not to pursue such payments. The Framingham Planning Board is holding hearings on the hospital's request to build a $17.5 million outpatient treatment and surgical center. Framingham collects about $95,000 in taxes on the 3-acre commercial property. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, a tax-exempt institution with nearly 26 acres of property in Newton, does not make payments in lieu of taxes to the city. However, it pays nearly $531,500 in taxes on a parking garage, doctors' offices, and other taxable property.