Abstract:
Shoreline erosion poses a destructive threat to many densely developed coastal areas. This project
uses a hedonic regression model to estimate whether or not the risks posed by shoreline change
significantly influence property values in Sandwich, MA. Sandwich, MA is a historic town located
on the inner reaches of Cape Cod with approximately 7.9 miles of Cape Cod Bay shoreline. Two
sets of independent variables were used: 1) structural characteristics describing the physical qualities
of a home, and 2) environmental characteristics measuring the risk posed to coastal properties by
shoreline erosion. Results show that six of seven environmental variables are significant, including
the primary variable of interest, Geotime. These results are compared to Atlantic region results
published by The Heinz Center in 2000. Recommendations are made on opportunities to extend
and improve the model for use in the future.
