Potential Solar Plant Sparks Protests in Fort Mill
Defiant Residents Oppose New Manufacturing Plant
Fort Mill residents are expressing their displeasure by hitting the streets to reject the impending establishment of a new solar panel manufacturing plant in York County. Their outcry comes in the wake of drawn-out discussions between the residents, county officials, and Silfab, the parent company of the plant.
Leading the local movement against the Silfab plant is Scott Jensen, who expresses his concerns: “York County is essentially overlooking the zoning codes and authorizing permits to Silfab in a light industrial property,” reveals Jensen.
Board of Zoning Appeals’ Decision Overturned
It’s noteworthy that the York county’s board of zoning appeals made a decision in May that Silfab could not establish its facility in a light industrial district on Logistics Lane. Yet, seemingly disregarding this ruling, an anonymous management statement from York County disclosed on June 25th that the zoning board’s decision was not applicable to Silfab, further incensing the populace.
Protesters’ Anger Fueled by Safety Claims
The residents’ discontent increased significantly after Silfab sent postcards to all Fort Mill inhabitants, claiming that Silfab is safe, optimized, light, advanced, and renewable. Residents like Jensen are skeptical about these claims. “They’ve never produced solar cells before. They have three factories; one in Canada and two in Washington state. Those factories are solar module factories, which do not demand saline or hydrogen fluoride. They’ve never dealt with these hazardous chemicals before,” he remarks.
Despite the county’s seemingly unyielding stance on Silfab’s establishment in the coming months, the protestors remain optimistic. “We are currently in circuit court, and we are hopeful a judge will consider this case soon and affirm that York County is, indeed, violating the law by issuing ongoing permits following the BZA ruling for the future development of solar cell manufacturing on a light industrial zoned property,” asserts Jensen.
Fight for Environmental Safety
Fort Mill residents have taken a stand against what they see as the potential environmental and safety hazards posed by the proposed Silfab manufacturing plant. Citing concerns about unfamiliar chemical usage and perceived negligence of local zoning laws, these residents continue to protest vigorously, demonstrating a commitment to retaining the integrity of their local environment.
This case highlights the ever-present tension between industrial expansion and environmental safety. As Fort Mill’s inhabitants battle in court, the story serves as a significant reminder of local communities’ power to influence developments within their surroundings and their willingness to fight for their safety and environmental values.
