On the Lower East Side of Manhattan, developers had been planning three luxury buildings, one of which would stand over 1,000 feet.

Then a judge stepped in and ruled the developers could not continue.

What happened?

In 2016, a city agency approved a project known as Two Bridges.

The project would add three luxury waterfront apartment towers with some affordable units. Its 1,000-foot skyscraper would soar above a neighborhood dominated by low-rise walk-ups.

The agency’s approval had allowed the developer to avoid seeking permission from local lawmakers, and residents objected.

So did some lawmakers.

City Council members filed a lawsuit to block the project, saying the largest tower was too tall for the area. They also said the Council needed to approve the plans.