Fort Mill residents oppose Silfab Solar construction near schools and homes

The York County Council meeting held on May 5, 2025, highlighted significant community concerns regarding the construction of a Silfab Solar manufacturing facility near schools and residential areas in Fort Mill. Residents voiced their apprehensions about potential health risks associated with the facility, particularly its proximity to Flint Hill Elementary and Middle Schools. Many speakers, including parents and local residents, expressed fears about toxic chemical exposure and the safety of children attending nearby schools.

Brandon Gant, a resident of Fort Mill, passionately urged the council to reconsider the facility's location, stating that his family would move if the situation did not change. He emphasized the need for the council to take action to protect the community's health and safety. Other residents echoed these sentiments, citing a recent health risk assessment that indicated significant potential exposure to harmful chemicals for thousands of residents living within a 3.4-mile radius of the facility.

John Worth, another concerned resident, criticized the council's decision-making process, arguing that it lacked leadership and integrity. He pointed out that the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) had previously ruled against the facility's placement in a light industrial zone, yet the council appeared to disregard this decision. Worth and others called for the council to uphold zoning laws designed to protect the community.

In addition to the Silfab Solar discussions, the council also addressed two rezoning proposals aimed at developing senior living communities. The first proposal involved rezoning a property on Mount Gallant Road to allow for the construction of townhomes for residents aged 55 and older. While some council members expressed support for the project, concerns were raised about traffic safety and the adequacy of access points to the development. Residents voiced apprehension about increased traffic congestion on Highway 160, particularly for elderly residents who may struggle to navigate busy roads.

The council's discussions underscored the ongoing tension between development needs and community safety. As the meeting concluded, council members acknowledged the importance of further dialogue with residents and the need for careful consideration of traffic and safety issues in future readings of the proposed developments. The council's next steps will involve continued discussions and potential adjustments to the proposals based on community feedback.