A proposed liquefied natural gas facility on Merritt Island has sparked concerns among local residents and officials about potential risks to nearby homes and a school. The project, which would involve storing and processing LNG near the Space Coast, has not yet received final approval but has already drawn scrutiny from community members. "We’re worried about what this means for our kids," said one parent whose child attends the nearby school. "No one wants to live next to a potential hazard." The facility’s location, less than two miles from the school and several residential neighborhoods, has become a focal point for debate. Local officials have not yet commented publicly on the proposal. The plant would be operated by a company that has not been named in public records, according to documents reviewed by Florida Today. Environmental groups have raised questions about the project’s impact on air quality and emergency response times in the event of a leak or accident. "This isn’t just about one family," said a spokesperson for a local advocacy group. "It’s about the entire community." The proposed site sits on land currently used for agricultural purposes, but neighbors say the area has seen increasing development in recent years. A 2022 study by the state’s environmental agency found that the region’s population has grown by 15% since 2010, with more than 200 new homes built within a five-mile radius of the proposed facility. The company behind the project has not responded to requests for comment. Local leaders have not scheduled a public meeting to discuss the proposal, despite calls from residents for more transparency. "We need to know what the risks are before we approve anything," said a city council member who represents the area. "This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about safety."