A Dover city councilman says a community meeting this week about safety at Silver Lake Park will now also to address suicide prevention and mental health assistance issues.
Earlier this month, the body of 21-year-old Wesley College student Erick Acevedo-Palencia was discovered in Silver Lake Park. Acevedo-Palencia had been missing for several weeks.
In the wake of that discovery, Dover City Councilman Roy Sudler scheduled a community meeting Thursday night.
Although police found no evidence of foul play in Acevedo-Palencia’sdeath, Sudler initially said he felt the park was unsafe and should close.
Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen disagrees
“ I think that Silver Lake Park is safe. Our community - the entire community is safe, because we have a dedicated police force led by our outstanding Chief Marvin Mailey,” said Christiansen.
Mayor Christiansen adds the city is very focused on public safety there and throughout Dover.
“First off, I want to assure everyone that the citizens of Dover and people that would be interested in coming here as tourists or bringing business and industry to the City of Dover - the City of Dover is a safe community.”
Chief Mailey told the Dover City Council Monday night that three security cameras planned for, prior to Acevedo-Palencia’sdeath, will soon be installed at Silver Lake Park.
Councilman Sudler did not respond Delaware Public Media's request for comment.
Thursday night’s meeting is in the City Council Chambers starting at 6 p.m.