FORT MILL, S.C. – A heated meeting took place last night between local government officials and nearly 200 concerned residents of Fort Mill, who voiced strong opposition to the construction of a new solar panel factory in their community.
The proposed facility, operated by SILFAB Solar, has raised significant concerns among residents about the use of hazardous chemicals and the potential health risks posed to their families. Many fear the impact the plant could have on their community, particularly on the health of their children.
Throughout the night, emotions ran high as residents pressed for answers and demanded more information about the factory’s potential risks. Congressman Ralph Norman, who was present at the meeting, faced intense questioning and frustration from the crowd.
“I will end the meeting if I hear more shouting. Either walk out, listen or leave,” Norman warned as tensions escalated.
Norman acknowledged the community’s concerns but urged citizens to take collective action. “Get together as a group and take action. That’s all I can tell you,” he advised.
At the core of the dispute is the location and zoning of the SILFAB Solar plant. Many residents believe the site is unsuitable for such an operation, a sentiment echoed by the zoning board, which reportedly indicated that the area was incorrectly zoned for the factory.
Despite the absence of the town council, who reportedly did not attend due to potential pending litigation, residents expressed their determination to continue fighting against the factory’s construction.
“I’m sick about this. I think it’s going to do a terrible thing to this community,” said Trisha Morris, echoing the concerns of many in attendance.
Evangeline Hundley, another concerned resident, criticized the process leading up to the factory’s approval, claiming there was a lack of transparency. “There was seemingly a lot of run around. There was a process that wasn’t followed,” Hundley stated.
Residents vowed to persist in their opposition until a satisfactory resolution is reached.
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