A wee tempest is brewing over Two Trees Management’s plans to build a 60-foot, mixed-use structure next to the future home of Trader Joe’s in the Independence Bank building on Atlantic Avenue and Court Street. Zoning in the area allows new construction to rise 50 feet, and Two Trees has applied for a waiver in order to build 10 feet higher. Last week, however, Borough President Marty Markowitz threw a possible wrench in the Walentas plans by denying Two Trees’ request, claiming it would set a dubious precedent for future Cobble Hill developments. At the same meeting, a rep for Bill deBlasio said the Councilman didn’t think the Two Trees building would set a bad example since all such proposals have to be reviewed by the city on a case-by-case basis. With Marty and Bill pitted against each other, you can bet there’ll be more noise about this one before all’s said and done. Meanwhile, the Two Trees proposal now heads to City Planning for review; a spokesperson for the department told us the Commission would likely hold a hearing on the request in September and vote on it in October.
Brooklyn Borough President Says ‘No’ to Height of New Building [Brooklyn Eagle] GMAP
Cobble/Boerum Hill Rumors: Trader Joe’s & McD’s [Brownstoner]