Can we be done with surface parking lots already?

Until recently, the two-story building that housed St. Paul’s Downtowner Woodfire Grill formed a key piece of the urban fabric of West 7th Street. The restaurant was known for lunch deals, a staple for the baby boomers looking for a cozy combination of upscale service and affordability. I say “until recently” because the two-story restaurant was torn down in October and its parcel was paved over. A small wooden kiosk has now been plunked into the middle of it. From all appearances, it looks set to become St. Paul’s newest surface parking lot. As reported in the Pioneer Press, the owners could not be reached for comment. As a long-time loather of surface parking lots, there are many irksome things about this story, but the one I want to call attention is this: Because of the way our property tax code works, the owners are set to receive a tax break from their destruction.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.