By Luke Constantino 11/14/2012     What does the word “cobble” mean? Cobble Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, just south of Brooklyn Heights and north of Carroll Gardens; its name was derived from all the cobblestones left here from the ships that used them as ballast. Cobblestone ballasts kept large ships (which had large sails back in the 1600’s) from tipping over and gave them an even keel. Back then, South Brooklyn was a major shipping port.   The beautiful homes Cobble Hill has some of the most beautiful homes in NYC, dating back to the mid 1800’s. Most of the homes here are designated as historical landmarks. There are a few different influences here: Romanesque, Greek, Gothic, Queen Anne and French structures. The tree lined streets here are some of the most be... 11/14/2012