When they abandon them, and the leases run out, the value of the buildings will be dramatically reduced and the property tax rates will be adjusted appropriately.
So much for "returning them to the tax rolls".
BTW, my number "28,000" is much better than the USPS number of "3,500" because it was done with an eye only to operational needs ~ not political expediency!
I know a retired postman who tells me that he and his retired postman wife both collect their pensions and get something close to 100K/year plus full medical benefits. For the rest of their lives.
*sigh*
Most of the closed postal facilities here in Dallas and surrounding smaller communities have been redeveloped pretty damn quickly. Usually into retail, thus BOOSTING the tax rolls.
With all due respect, why not repeal the private express statutes and allow the marketplace to decide the type, frequency and quality of mail service?