The article is titled, “Residents will get day in court against Ashby high-rise.”

Josh Blackman, assistant professor at the South Texas College of Law, who specializes in property law, said this case will be monitored closely by developers and by neighborhood groups fighting projects.

“This is really breaking new ground,” Blackman said. “This is the furthest that any residents have tried to challenge something in Houston history. It will set a precedent for what happens with future developments.”

He said a ruling in favor of the neighbors may deter developers and give credence to neighborhood efforts.

“If this is successful, this is one more tool in the arsenal of the neighborhood,” Blackman said. “If the developers win, it shows you aren’t going to win in this town.”