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The Post reports that Two Trees Management’s application for a waiver to put up a 60-foot building on Atlantic Avenue near Court Street got the green light from the powers that be in City Planning last month and will be voted on by the City Council within the next few weeks. The proposed building would be 10 feet higher than what’s allowed in the Cobble Hill historic district. A city regulation allows developers to build higher than what historic district rules permit if the developers can demonstrate their building will enhance the area; Walentas & co. are arguing the 60-footer will improve Cobble Hill by helping to preserve the landmark bank building next door, which the firm is leasing to Trader Joe’s.
Brooklyn Heights Loophole [NY Post]
Will Two Trees Proposal for Atlantic Ave. Get Chopped? [Brownstoner]
Photo by Kate Leonova for Property Shark.


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. The Bank building itself is 60′ tall, and two other historic 19th century buildings on that block are 60′ or taller.
    The fifty foot height limit makes no sense on Atlantic Ave, which has taller buildings than the rest of the neighborhood.
    So Landmarks found the 60′ height appropriate.

  2. I have no problem with the 60 feet. But it should be noted how easily a big, savvy builder can roll over the historic preservation regs. Downzoning and historic districts really just stop the small builder and the owner occupier, driving their costs skyward. The big guys just eat it up.