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Page 2/Stephen Rohlf <br />Depending on the potential significance and physical integrity of the downtown <br />buildings, it may be possible to designate some or all of them either locally through the <br />city's historic preservation ordinance, or by entering them on the National Register of <br />Historic Places. One of the benefits available to the owners of designated properties is a <br />20% tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of an income -producing historic building. In <br />addition, the city of Elk River may be able to use funds from the Small Cities <br />Development Program to rehabilitate commercial buildings in the downtown area. If the <br />buildings are historically significant the State Historic Preservation Office would need to <br />review plans for improvements to the buildings. <br />Under federal regulations, the State Historic Preservation Office examines proposed <br />federally assisted undertakings in the state to determine whether any properties listed on <br />or eligible for the National Register may be harmed by those projects. If potential <br />damaging effects are identified, the federal agency involved is required to explore <br />alternatives that avoid or mitigate harm. In addition, the Minnesota Environmental <br />Quality Board requires that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet be completed for <br />destruction of a National Register property in cases where the demolition requires a <br />federal, state or local action, such as issuance of demolition permits. While this does not <br />prohibit destruction, it does provide a mechanism for public review and possible <br />intervention before destruction of a property occurs. <br />Buildings such as those in the two -block area of downtown Elk River contribute to the <br />community's history and to a sense of place, a special quality that sometimes is not fully <br />appreciated until it is too late. With the enactment of the city's recent historic <br />preservation ordinance, it seems ironic that some of the last remaining vestiges of the <br />city's commercial history are at risk. I urge you and the city council to take the time to <br />conduct a survey and historic context of these downtown buildings and explore all the <br />alternatives. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. <br />Sin rely, <br />Michael Koop <br />Historic Preserva ion Program Specialist <br />State Historic Preservation Office <br />