New York State Senator Erik Bottcher

11/02/2026

Now that I spend nearly half the year in Albany as a State Senator, it breaks my heart to see a city with so much beauty, history, and potential struggling to thrive. It’s a city I’ve come to know and care about. As someone who believes deeply in the power of cities, it’s painful to see so much unrealized potential. For centuries, Albany was a bustling riverfront city. Then came the Rockefeller-era urban renewal projects that bulldozed entire neighborhoods, replaced vibrant streets with parking lots, and severed downtown from the Hudson River with a highway. We can undo these mistakes. Upzone the Parking Lot District. Take down I-787. Build thousands of new homes where parking lots sit today. Incentivize development. Bring streets back to life with shops, restaurants, and people. Create a spectacular waterfront with marinas and dining. Albany is our state capital. It’s time to think bigger and move faster.

11/01/2026

After an incredible 48 years (!) of service, beloved crossing guard Cathy Serrano is retiring from P.S. 11 in Chelsea! ❤️

For nearly half a century, Cathy has brought her signature ferocious mama bear energy to the streets of Chelsea, fiercely protecting generations of schoolchildren and making sure they got to school safely, rain or shine. Nobody was getting past Cathy without looking both ways!

Think of the thousands of children whose lives she has touched and the countless families who have felt safer knowing Cathy was looking out for their kids.

Thank you, Cathy, for 48 years of love, dedication, and fierce devotion to our community. Chelsea won’t be the same without you at the crosswalk!

Wishing you a wonderful and well-deserved retirement! ❤️

11/01/2026

Great news for the arts in Hell’s Kitchen! 🇮🇪

Thrilled to join Governor Kathy Hochul at the Irish Arts Center for the announcement of $2 million in state funding for Phase 2 of the Center’s expansion!

This next phase will restore and revitalize the Center’s historic original building, connecting it to the beautiful new facility and creating even more space for arts, culture, education, and community programming.

The Irish Arts Center has been a treasured part of Hell’s Kitchen for decades, celebrating Irish heritage and bringing New Yorkers together through the arts.

A special thank you to Executive Director Aidan Connolly for his extraordinary leadership and dedication to this beloved cultural institution.

Proud to join Senator Brian Kavanagh, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal in celebrating this exciting next chapter.

10/30/2026

UPDATE ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE BARN OWLS

A family of seven Barn Owls, believed to be the first documented nesting family in Manhattan in modern history, has captured the hearts of New Yorkers.

But their lives are in danger.

Yesterday, construction crews suddenly removed the roof of the water tower where the two parents and their five fledglings had been nesting, destroying their shelter in apparent violation of federal and state laws protecting nesting birds.

Following public outcry, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued a cease-and-desist order halting construction.

But today, construction workers returned to the site in violation of that order.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and I went to the scene with NYC Bird Alliance to demand that the work stop and that these precious birds be protected.

There is some encouraging news: All seven owls have been spotted alive, and the parents have been seen feeding their young.

But they remain vulnerable, and their nesting site must be protected.

New York City is home to more than eight million people, but we share this city with extraordinary wildlife. They deserve a safe place here, too.

We will not stop fighting until this family is safe and those responsible are held accountable. 🦉

10/30/2026

Barn Owl Update:

Workers are back on the water tower in violation of DEC cease and desist order!

We contacted DEC and DEC police are on site to stop the work.

10/30/2026

Some tentative good news about the Upper West Side barn owls: Last night, all five fledglings and both parents were spotted back at the water tower, with the parents feeding their young rats.

Unfortunately, the roof is gone, leaving them without shelter. Advocates are exploring ways to restore some protection without frightening the owls away.

10/29/2026

10/29/2026

STATEMENT ON THE DESTRUCTION OF UPPER WEST SIDE BARN OWL NEST
October 29, 2026

I am outraged by reports that construction work on an Upper West Side water tower destroyed part of the structure that was home to Manhattan’s first Barn Owl nest, potentially endangering a pair of owls and their several fledglings.

According to one expert, this is the first documented instance of Barn Owls nesting in Manhattan in modern history.

Active migratory bird nests are protected under federal and state law. All work on the water tower and near the nest must stop until the owls have safely left the site. I commend NYC Bird Alliance for alerting wildlife officials and calling for an immediate halt to further work.

Our city’s wildlife deserves protection, and there must be accountability when these protections are violated.

10/29/2026

It was great to join the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) for a breakfast discussion with Anthony Shorris, President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).

NYCEDC plays a critical role in shaping our city’s economic future, from creating good-paying jobs and supporting small businesses to driving investment in housing, infrastructure, and emerging industries.

President Shorris shared his vision for building a stronger, more inclusive economy and making New York City a more affordable place to live and work.

10/29/2026

Congratulations to Parity Productions on its 10th Annual Awards Ceremony and Celebration! Founded by Ludovica Villar-Hauser in 2016, Parity Productions has spent a decade championing gender equity in theater and creating opportunities for women, transgender, and gender-expansive artists.

I was proud to recognize Parity Productions with a New York State Senate Proclamation honoring its contributions to the performing arts and its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices on and off the stage. Here’s to continued success!