The Impact of Small Brownfields and Greenspaces on Residential Property Values

Posted: 14 Nov 2005

See all articles by Norman R. Cloutier

Norman R. Cloutier

University of Wisconsin - Parkside

Dennis A. Kaufman

University of Wisconsin - Parkside

Abstract

Using a hedonic pricing model, this paper investigates the responsiveness of residential property values in a well defined inner-city neighborhood of Kenosha, Wisconsin, to the presence of two small former industrial sites contaminated by various environmental pollutants, or brownfields, and a local neighborhood park, or greenspace. Using readily available data on sales and assessments for residential property in close proximity to the brownfields and the greenspace, we estimate well behaved and statistically significant property value gradients with respect to the park, the environmental amenity, and the brownfields, the environmental disamenities. These functions are then used to estimate the possible impact that brownfield remediation may have on total property value. We estimate that remediation and redevelopment of the brownfields into greenspaces would increase property values for the 890 neighborhood residences between $2.40 and $7.01 million. These results suggest that small brownfields have a measurable impact on property values and that readily accessible data can be used to help local policymakers make decisions on remediation issues.

Keywords: residential property values, brownfields, hedonic pricing model, central city, environmental amenities

Suggested Citation

Cloutier, Norman R. and Kaufman, Dennis A., The Impact of Small Brownfields and Greenspaces on Residential Property Values. Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, Vol. 33, No. 1, 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=845588

Norman R. Cloutier

University of Wisconsin - Parkside ( email )

900 Wood Road
P.O. Box 2000
Kenosha, WI 53141-2000
United States

Dennis A. Kaufman (Contact Author)

University of Wisconsin - Parkside ( email )

900 Wood Road
P.O. Box 2000
Kenosha, WI 53141-2000
United States

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