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DEC Orders Halt to Manhattan Water Tower Demolition

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

The roof of a Manhattan water tower was removed, destroying the city’s first documented barn-owl nest.
New York State DEC police ordered the owner to halt demolition pending investigation.
State Sen. Erik Bottcher urged an immediate work stop, citing federal law prohibiting nest destruction.
Witnesses reported torch work and flames under the nest on Oct. 28, 2026.
Officials said active migratory bird nests are protected by law, and the incident sparked public outrage.

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The roof of a Manhattan water tower was removed, destroying the city’s first documented barn-owl nest.
New York State DEC police ordered the owner to halt demolition pending investigation.
State Sen. Erik Bottcher urged an immediate work stop, citing federal law prohibiting nest destruction.
Witnesses reported torch work and flames under the nest on Oct. 28, 2026.
Officials said active migratory bird nests are protected by law, and the incident sparked public outrage.