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Using the Plan collaborative solutions for reuse with community services and facilities because . the reuse of this structure would maintain its presence and identity, and public uses, such as an arts and family center, would maintain the building's community focus and orientation. The Handke School can provide a framework for the potential reuse of other schools. . Promote housing maintenance and revitalization. The residential neighborhoods in Old Town contain some of the oldest housing in Elk River. Housing in Old Town helps to provide more affordable housing options. Creating tools for maintaining and revitalizing the housing stock is an important part of the Old Town initiative. Distinct edges between single-family residential neighborhoods and commercial districts should be defined and maintained because residential and commercial uses typically have different objectives for the use of property. Commercial properties need signs to attract customers, and successful businesses create traffic and require parking. None of these conditions fit the objectives for a single- family neighborhood. Edges and buffers can allow residential and commercial uses to coexist. Without this approach, commercial uses may erode the edges of neighborhoods and discourage maintenance of the housing stock. The success of the City in preserving an Old Town identity will play a role in maintaining the housing stock because establishing a desirable place to live will attract homeowners and encourage investment. Property owners will then be able to capture monies used for home improvements at the time of resale. Other public actions may be needed to meet the housing objectives in Old Town. The process of preparing the Comprehensive Plan did not evaluate the need for specific public housing initiatives. Such an evaluation should be the focus of further investigation into local housing needs. Potential public actions related to housing in Old Town could include: • Incentives to encourage home ownership. • Financial assistance for home improvements. • Regulations to prohibit undesired activities and land uses. Intergovernmental Collaboration The vision for the future of Elk River cannot be achieved without the cooperation and support of other units of government. Strong working relationships and collaborative solutions are essential to the success of this Plan. Some of the key governmental elements of the Plan include: • The quality of local schools is an important element of the Vision. The school system is one factor in attracting and keeping people to Elk River. • Elk:* Building the Future -A Comprehensive Plan for Elk River 3*7 liver