130 Court Street, formerly the headquarters of the Independence Savings Bank, is now owned by the Two Trees Development Corp. It is empty, awaiting the arrival of a Trader Joe’s food emporium. It is also about to become a development site for a new residential building in the parking lot behind it, fronting on Atlantic Avenue.

The BHA got involved in the issue when we learned that the developer’s proposal included a waiver of the 50-foot height limit, which protects Brooklyn Heights as well as Cobble Hill. The 50’ foot height limit, known as LH-1, is an essential zoning tool achieved by the BHA soon after the landmark designation of Brooklyn Heights took place. Any proposal to waive the height limit in Cobble Hill threatens to set a precedent for similar attempts within the borders of Brooklyn Heights. Fortunately, Borough President Markowitz agreed.

The City Council’s Land Use Committee voted to reject the LH-1 waiver last month, sending the matter back to the City Planning commission for modification. We expect to prevail when the full Council votes later this month