Fort Mill community rallies against Silfab Solar’s proposed facility

FORT MILL, S.C. — People packed a Fort Mill courtroom Monday in support of a lawsuit aimed at stopping a proposed solar facility, which is a case Silfab Solar is trying to get dismissed.

Former Silfab Solar employee alleges safety hazards, wrongful termination

Silfab is appealing the Board of Zoning Appeals’ ruling that solar panel manufacturing is banned in a light industrial district, which is what the company is in.

Opponents of the manufacturer argued Monday that the judge should dismiss the appeal

Fort Mill students are back in class but instead of excitement in the air, there was tension as half-an-hour away, a judge heard arguments that some parents hope will power down Silfab Solar, which is the neighbor of Flint Hill Elementary and Middle schools.

“The fact we have chemical manufacturing next to where kids learn their multiplication tables is disturbing and troubling,” said parent Brandon Langford.

Langford was one of more than a dozen opponents in the courtroom as their attorney, Cameron Holford, argued the judge should dismiss Silfab Solar’s appeal.

“The land use here, it’s zoned light industrial,” Holford said. “It always has been.”

Silfab is challenging the Board of Zoning Appeals’ unanimous decision that solar panel manufacturing is not allowed in areas zoned as light industrial.

Silfab said the board didn’t have the authority to review this. It says solar panel manufacturing is allowed either as computer or electronic products manufacturing or electrical equipment manufacturing. Both are permitted uses.

Holford and opponents of Silfab don’t buy that.

“They have marched forward with millions in construction at the site for a use that is not permitted by code,” Holford said.

“There shouldn’t be hazardous materials next to two schools and up to 2,000 school children,” opponent Frank Clancey said. “I mean, they are our most valuable commodity.”

York County has previously said the BZA decision wouldn’t stop operations at Silfab but this ruling could have implications for the future.

In court, the attorney for York County said they are operating as Switzerland in this matter and staying neutral. The judge is considering the arguments and will make a decision in the coming weeks.

VIDEO: Silfab Solar picks up violations before official opening