York County zoning board reverses decision on solar cell manufacturer

FORT MILL, S.C. — The residents of Fort Mill expressed their concerns about a planned plant on Logistics Lane during the zoning board of appeals meeting on Thursday night.

Officials previously allowed Silfab Solar’s facility on N.C. Highway 21, but residents worried about the amount of chemicals on site.

The appeals board reversed the approval of the solar power manufacturer in a light industrial district, which is how that community is zoned.

Residents were worried about the proximity to two new schools.

Those schools are still under construction but eventually, they’ll be right next to the site, which concerned parents.

“I did not feel safe as a parent having my kids attend this new school,” said parent Molly Conner.

Conner and Nicole Forde have been fighting to keep the solar panel manufacturer away.

“It’s super concerning about the pollution and the chemicals and my son could be zoned to the school that’s 1,500 feet away from where this plant would be,” Forde said.

Residents also brought up concerns about chemicals, which would be used at the facility.

Conner and Forde wonder if Silfab will appeal the decision and if they do, the residents said the community will rally against it.

Statement from Silfab Solar:

“Silfab Solar is disappointed in the York County board of zoning appeals decision of May 9. We are reviewing the community comments from the public forum and are waiting for an official letter of determination. This was not a final determination, and we are exploring the various options that will lead to a resolution.”

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