Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Industrial Siting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents tell Fort Mill board they fear hazardous chemicals, urge stronger zoning enforcement for Silfab/Logistics Lane site
Summary
Two public commenters, including a chemist and an insurance investigator, urged the board to press York County for zoning compliance and stronger protections around the proposed Silfab/Logistics Lane facility, citing a DOE grant, reports from health experts and a whistleblower allegation of unsafe activities.
Two community members used the public‑comment period to press the Fort Mill School Board for more aggressive action on the proposed Silfab Logistics Lane site, raising technical and legal concerns and requesting stronger oversight and two‑way engagement with parents who have relevant expertise.
Carl Young (speaker 11), who introduced himself as holding a PhD in analytical chemistry, told the board the community’s concerns are “deeply rooted in a true understanding of the facts and the science” and urged the board to engage parents and local technical experts rather than relying solely on company engineers. Young said Silfab has described the Logistics Lane site as a pilot manufacturing line and noted Silfab received a $5,000,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant in August 2024 for a pilot line that “involves hazardous chemicals and specialty gases posing potential health risks,” arguing that the district should seek proactive safeguards rather than reactive surveillance near schools.
Jamie Castilla (speaker 14), who identified her address and said she has 20 years of experience in insurance, outlined negligence and liability concepts and asked the board to use its voice to press York County to enforce zoning compliance. Castilla said parents had provided expert reports (she named USC and PEHSU and referenced a Citadel report retained by the district) and also stated that a whistleblower had alleged unsafe or illegal activities at the facility site. She told the board that merely monitoring and reacting would be insufficient to protect students during outdoor activities and asked the board to demand county enforcement or other proactive steps.
Board members did not take formal action during public comment; the speakers asked for more open dialogue and clearer, proactive steps from the district and county.
