The four Towson residents who filed suit Thursday to stop construction of the new West Towson Elementary School say the building will diminish their property values, according to an article in the Baltimore Sun today.

In a press release issued Wednesday, the group cited children’s safety, diminished greenspace and an alleged lack of process as the reasons for their suit.  They neglected to mention their concern that their home values would drop.  The newspaper says the residents’ property borders the school site, something the press release also doesn’t mention.

Historically, housing prices have risen in neighborhoods with strong community schools.

The four plaintiffs hope to have a hearing next week to gain a temporary restraining order to stop construction, which is already in its early stages, the newspaper said.  But according to a local real estate attorney contacted by the Sun, the neighbors don’t have much of a case, as the site already has local and state approval.

Cathi Forbes, chairperson of Towson Families United, said it comes downs to the needs of a few versus the needs of the many.

“In every community, you have to balance the needs of people,” Forbes told the Sun. “You have to weigh the benefits of a new elementary school that will alleviate this overcrowding for hundreds and hundreds of kids versus the concerns of a few people who bought homes adjacent to Baltimore County public schools-owned land.” ‘

Read the full article here.