August 2, 2015

The ongoing debate over proposals dealing with illegal immigrants and the status of the controversial Overbrook Town Center project were featured topics at Rep. Steve Smyk's, R-Milton-Lewes, recent monthly constituent coffee meeting.

Delaware recently enacted a law that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain a state-issued driving privilege card. Proponents argue that illegals would have to maintain car insurance as well as submit tax returns and fingerprints to receive the card.

Smyk told those gathered at the Henlopen Ruritan Club in Harbeson that while he understood the measure's positive aspects, he could not support its enactment. "By allowing illegal aliens to drive in this state, we are inviting more to come here," he said.

Smyk described a companion bill, Senate Bill 60, as the "next step" toward granting illegal immigrants more privileges. He said the proposal seeks to make Delaware a "sanctuary state."

The legislation would bar Delaware law enforcement agencies from detaining someone solely on the basis of an immigration detainer or warrant. It would further prevent Delaware law officers from communicating to federal authorities an illegal immigrant’s release information or contact information, after the individual becomes eligible for release from custody.

The bill has cleared committee and will be eligible for action in the Senate when the General Assembly returns to action in January.

The status of the Overbrook Town Center was also a hot subject of conversation at the meeting. The large commercial project is planned for 114 acres of farmland along Delaware 1, north of Lewes. That proposal is pending approval of a zoning change currently before Sussex County Council.

While the land use change is strictly a county decision, the project could become a state issue if it moves forward. Developers have offered $8 million to build an overpass needed to serve the center. Similar overpass projects built on Route One in recent years have carried price tags of about $25 million.

The Coffee with Steve meetings are intended to provide residents of the 20th District with a convenient way to meet with their state representative and discuss whatever is on their minds. Always held the second Tuesday of the month, the next coffee event is slated for Aug. 11.

The casual gatherings have been moving around the district the last two months after it became apparent the usual venue could not accommodate the event during the busy summer season. The location of the next meeting will be promoted as soon as it is set.

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