New Albany mayor issues emergency maintenance at Silver Creek dam following drowning

New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan is closing access to the Glenmill Park Dam at Silver Creek Landing for emergency maintenance following drownings in the area.

The dam, built 108 years ago, is undergoing repairs to "eliminate the hydraulic roller effect caused by the current condition of the dam," according to a news release from the mayor's office.

Gahan's authorization follows the New Albany City Council voting twice in favor of resolutions encouraging dam improvements and a court filing authorized by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources deeming the dam a "death machine" and a risk to public safety.

Improvements to the dam also follow the death of 14-year-old Andre Edwards Jr. on Memorial Day. Witnesses say he was swimming in Silver Creek and went underwater but didn't resurface.

New Albany Teenager missing on Memorial Day found dead near New Albany, police say

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: New Albany mayor issues emergency maintenance at Silver Creek dam following drowning