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The City Planning Commission voted Wednesday to approve the project, with some minor modifications. The Commission wants to lop off one story of the controversial structure that critics argue would still block views of the historic bridge.

"We think we have a achieved a balanced resolution to this issue but most importantly respected this historic site and the importance of the Brooklyn Bridge," said City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden.

But not all agree. Two of 13 commission members voted no, including the Brooklyn representative who argued zoning shouldn't be changed to accommodate the scale of the project, which she said would not only be too tall but too close to the bridge, whose roadway is about seven stories off the ground.

"I disagree with the commission's motion which would grant the applicant a special zoning bulk permit," said Planning Commission Member Shirley McRae.

Development Company Two Trees wanted to build an 18-story tower on the site -- the last undeveloped site in DUMBO. The $150 million complex, known as the Dock Street project, would include both luxury and affordable housing, retail, a parking garage and a middle school. The developer considered the vote a victory even if the tower under the commission's plan will now be 17 stories, and an adjoining part even closer to the bridge seven stories high instead of nine.

"I think to see it developed properly in a way that both fits into the neighborhood on a scale and an architectural context way but also from mixed use site and to have the public benefit of a school which I think is greatly needed down here is a great accomplishment," said Jed Walentas of Two Trees.

"We have always supported a structure that rises no higher than the roadway of the bridge to preserve the views," said Gus Sheha of the DUMBO Neighborhood Association.

"I'm extremely disturbed that they're using the false issue of the school, the need for a 465-car parking garage which is ridiculous," said Doreen Gallo of the DUMBO Neighborhood Association.

The project has already been approved by the community board and has the support of the borough president.

As for the next step in the process, the Dock Street project will have to go before the City Council for review next month.