The impact of detention basin design on residential property value: Case studies using GIS in the hedonic price modeling

Abstract

This study examined the impact of two different detention basin designs on residential property value. The hedonic price model was applied to analyze two College Station, TX, subdivisions. One subdivision had only uniuse flood control detention basins (UDBs) and the other included a multi-use detention basin (MDB) integrating a detention pond with a recreational neighborhood park. Geographic information system (GIS) was used for analysis. Spatial autocorrelation and spatial regression were analyzed. The results indicate that the network distance from the UDBs did not have a significant effect on residential property value. Yet, the properties with a view of the UDBs were significantly lowered in property value. In contrast, the network distance from the MDB where a neighborhood park was merged had a significant impact on residential property value within the 274-m (900-ft) impact area, consistent with expectations. The study also found that environmental amenities such as recreational facilities improved the hedonic price model for the impact area of the MDB, whereas the effect of spatial and locational features was not significant due to its spatial location. The findings of this study imply that thoughtful integration between recreation facilities and detention basins could significantly alter public’s perception of detention basins from stormwater collection eyesores to neighborhood parks. The challenge is whether municipal governments are willing to adopt a policy that encourages developments with MDBs as these municipalities will typically become responsible for maintaining them after construction.