Hydrologic Benefits of Vacant Land Parcels in Detroit
From students: Samantha Pickering, Ali Shakoor, and Tierney Shaible
Our research aims to determine if vacant land parcels in Detroit can provide hydrological benefits to the urban landscape, specifically regarding flood mitigation. Detroit has over 100,000 vacant lots across the city, and as the impacts of climate change become more visible, Detroit has suffered adverse consequences due to the increased flooding events. We're investigating these lots to understand their potential to serve as passive green infrastructure to absorb rainfall and enhance rainfall detention capacity. The negative impacts of the flooding have been imparted on Detroit's residents in terms of their health, economic stability, and the surrounding ecosystem. By examining the vacant lots' potential to serve as passive or other forms of green infrastructure, this research will provide valuable insights for climate change resilience strategies in Detroit.
