State officials investigate removal of roof on upper west side water tower housing rare barn owl nest

State environmental conservation officers responded to an Upper West Side residential building after workers dismantled part of a wooden water tower where a rare family of barn owls had established a nest. Thursday, the roof of the water tower located near 76th Street and Central Park West was removed, leaving the active nest exposed to the elements. Wildlife experts said that the sighting marked the first documented instance of barn owls nesting in Manhattan in modern history, drawing intense interest from bird watchers and local residents who frequently gathered near the park after dark to observe the birds.

The Department of Environmental Conservation ordered the building owner to halt demolition of the structure until further notice following the initial removal. Despite the active stop work order issued by state authorities, city officials said workers returned to the site Friday and continued disassembling the water tower. Video footage captured individuals working directly on the roof beams atop 15 West 75th Street while environmental officers prepared to investigate the property once more.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal spoke to reporters about the ongoing incident at the downtown property. He said that watching the water tower being disassembled for a second time was an illegal violation of federal law and entirely outrageous. Local conservation advocates also voiced deep concern over the safety of the dependent fledglings that relied on the elevated structure for shelter during daytime hours.

State environmental officers returned to the location Friday afternoon to inspect the property and enforce regulations. Authorities continue to monitor the site closely and coordinate with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to place alternative roost locations for remaining fledglings.