YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A controversial solar plant in York County isn't giving up on its plans to come to Fort Mill just yet.
In May, the York County Zoning Board voted against Silfab Solar's plan due to neighbor outrage. The company is now challenging that vote.
There are still many Fort Mill residents who are upset about the possibility of a solar power manufacturing plant in their area, but two county councilmembers say some residents have taken their opposition to a scary level, with some leaders saying they've received death threats over the plant.
The $150 million Silfab project would bring around 800 jobs to Fort Mill. However, neighbors say they're concerned about what else it could bring. Some people claim the company wants to use dangerous chemicals and would affect the surrounding area, including where two schools are currently under construction.
The zoning committee said the plant shouldn't be allowed in a light industrial area, but the council issued a statement saying the project could go through. During Monday's York County Council meeting, Chair Christi Cox said she received a letter at her home threatening her life if the project went through.
"We must work together as a community to stop this toxicity," Cox said. "We have to do that. We have to learn how to talk to each other in a way that is not threatening."
Councilmember William Roddey said he also received a threatening letter related to the development.
"I received one that I opened here tonight, basically threatening my house, my wife and my family based off what's going on with Silfab," Roddey said.
Cox didn't mention the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, but made several mentions of "recent events" happening this weekend that raised the discourse to a dangerous level. Cox said the threatening letters were turned over to police, who will try to find out who sent them.
Roddy spoke with WCNC Charlotte reporter Austin Walker about the letter, saying it's something he'd never believe could happen.
"It certainly hit home, considering we don't walk around thinking something could happen to us until something like this rises to this level," he said. "No words can express the uneasiness that myself and my family felt last night. This is very serious in nature and I hope and pray no one else gets a letter or feels threatened."
Contact Richard DeVayne at rdevayne@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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