Fort Mill Community Divided Over Silfab Solar Project Amid Legal Challenges

Fort Mill’s Silfab Solar Project Faces Legal Challenges and Community Opposition

Fort Mill is at the center of a heated debate surrounding the Silfab Solar project, which promises to invest $150 million into the local economy and create approximately 800 jobs at its proposed manufacturing site on Logistics Lane. However, the future of the project hinges not only on community support but also on ongoing legal disputes. Silfab, a Canadian solar panel manufacturer, claims it complies with all necessary environmental and land use regulations.

Background of the Dispute

Residents express serious concerns regarding the impact that chemical spills from solar cell production could have on their properties. The community’s apprehensions stand in stark contrast to Silfab’s assertions that its operations pose no threat to the surrounding area. This tension has fueled legal disputes, raising questions about whether production can legally commence at the designated site, which sits between Interstate 77 and U.S. 21.

Legal Proceedings

There are currently two significant legal cases pertaining to Silfab’s establishment. The first case emerged after a York County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held on May 9, where members unanimously voted against the county planning staff’s initial conclusion that solar panel manufacturing should be classified under light industrial zoning classification. The board deemed that such manufacturing should actually fall under heavy industrial.

This ruling generated a complicated situation following a statement from York County in June, which claimed that the zoning decision would not affect Silfab, as it had already been approved by the planning department. Still, Silfab opted to appeal the zoning board’s decision in civil court alongside the property owner, Exeter 7149 Logistics, seeking mediation before a potential trial.

Community Response

The community’s resistance is palpable. Local property owner Wally Buchanon was a catalyst in the appeals process and filed to join in the case against Silfab and Exeter on July 24. Additionally, the Citizens Alliance for Government Integrity, a nonprofit organization formerly known as the Move Silfab and Stop Silfab campaigns, has also become involved, seeking to further oppose the project. As part of their legal efforts, this nonprofit has filed to designate the case as a class action, aiming to unite around 1,900 community members impacted by the developments.

Furthermore, the organization is requesting a temporary restraining order and an injunction to halt Silfab’s construction efforts until legal determinations have been made.

Economic Implications

While the community prepares to combat the Silfab project, the county negotiated an economic agreement with the manufacturer prior to its proposal. This deal included a remarkably reduced tax rate of 4% for the next 30 years, in contrast to the typical manufacturing tax rate of 10.5%. This agreement was passed with a narrow 4-3 vote from the York County Council in September 2022.

With new schools—Flint Hill Elementary and Flint Hill Middle School—currently under construction next to the Silfab site, parents are particularly anxious about the potential hazards associated with the solar manufacturing facility. The school district is expected to finalize enrollment boundaries in the coming month.

Current Status

The ongoing legal battles reflect the deep divisions within the Fort Mill community regarding Silfab’s proposed operations. As the company aims to move forward, residents remain committed to voicing their concerns through legal and community actions. The future of the Silfab Solar project now rests on courtroom decisions and the ever-shifting dynamics of local public opinion. Whether the project will advance or be halted is still uncertain, but the stakes are high for both the community and the potential future workforce.