[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6031501,"mediaKeyId","5479816-09c717434c2050ef1a1ede294ba403f1","parentId",5479816,"title","Council clears zoning and funding steps for public safety center and Squirrel Park plaza projects","audioSeconds",87,"startMs",87000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5479816-09c717434c2050ef1a1ede294ba403f1&start=87&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5479816-09c717434c2050ef1a1ede294ba403f1/thumbnail_87000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6031501/West-Lafayette-City/Tippecanoe-County/Indiana/Council-clears-zoning-and-funding-steps-for-public-safety-center-and-Squirrel-Park-plaza-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6031501-88b52c095b3b2f301c6e9a5164641c5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770428421&Signature=R0UJBrPhpAzJGHNRE0zVKe83-dXED-Mzgceq3k642vFu9V0Tv9GOc9X-9xjaE82Rx7cYgY0lnDuZMI5f-~gqGxH9TcgL-SkLEJ79Fn6XtV06SXcrTejxwaclLaf7wn3gaCCAwqDKHu9Wkzf11lpBxftMPnGSUBSJU3EL2nYz3~0b-Rnol0rLp~2Pxu0wSCW9auBc4qWwKA4wX7xmA8xsZgnedY1dbvFXdk5gxaP44EQs4R4UGPgA~V~Rk6JMSY~3dzuQwPv1AksKyqZiGVbi-7hEXkBvNM8rfLzXrWQFTgkw9FJJaIF04QskKWIhiZaf5-2zB3LrkWLqW0Rqvrb9ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Lafayette City, IN","date","2025-05-05T00:00:00Z","article","The West Lafayette Common Council approved zoning and related ordinances on May 5 that advance two city development projects: a new public-safety center combining police and fire facilities, and the next construction phase of Squirrel Park, which includes restoration of a historic caretaker's cottage and a public plaza.

Public-safety center details: City staff and the project architect described a multi-use building that will house an expanded police lobby, fire drive-through apparatus bays, a training tower and a parking structure. The project is intended to replace an aging 1960s fire station (Fire Station 2) and provide modern decontamination and training infrastructure. Architect and development staff said the layout separates public spaces from secured police areas and provides locker and decontamination zones on the fire side; the project also includes a stormwater plan and on-site parking.

Squirrel Park and historic preservation: The council also approved a rezoning and second-reading ordinance to allow the next phase of Squirrel Park development, which will accompany a PRF-led restoration of a relocated historic barn (Caretaker's Cottage) and the creation of a plaza, playground and path connections. PRF project manager said construction of the plaza and a 40-space parking lot is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

Votes and next steps: The council passed the zoning amendments and ordinances by roll call. City staff said the public-safety center design has involved repeated meetings with police and fire, and that next steps include procurement, permitting and coordination of construction schedules. Members highlighted the planned improvements to firefighter safety and the need to keep an essential station in the city's core.

Ending: The council's votes move both projects into detailed design, permitting and procurement phases; staff expects to update the council as contracts are awarded and construction timetables firm up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","West Lafayette City Council - May 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Councilors approved zoning and enabling steps May 5 for a new consolidated public safety center and for the next-phase plaza and historic restoration work at Squirrel Park.","taxTitle","West Lafayette City, Tippecanoe County, Indiana","taxId",55551,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6031506,"Council approves $10 million revenue bond and refunding to finance sewage plant upgrades and lagoon closure",424,424000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5479816-09c717434c2050ef1a1ede294ba403f1&start=424&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5479816-09c717434c2050ef1a1ede294ba403f1/thumbnail_424000.jpg","/articles/6031506/West-Lafayette-City/Tippecanoe-County/Indiana/Council-approves-10-million-revenue-bond-and-refunding-to-finance-sewage-plant-upgrades-and-lagoon-closure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6031506-5ebebd52a3bab767a7fdf80cb144ecbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770428421&Signature=dlu3wtvaELahz6~80SSGPVN-O~KEn6tnlTrW3V9FTCUUs5A0JpWUMtZdyRu5lcTqsaPq~1Sxg40QVaCz4AW-rD8sYr~-EpH2gQl9jk9kL1~THIsEkMMgFA3lrhuwwVjHz1YBpS3UU7hHzTNrPbbIU81thxhckKHdwnoPmJVULpSILkM5amb6dstqzzxRZF9f7RcD3eAA9ILQ3LoTsRIf5Smt9KzFvAgEks1TzbRk4EJN~LaZv-M4r6XtafxXxH080R9LIwqjoyNGFWXMqiZHXjGSjboEJIt53fVdab3uJezR79HqNDNQimKTjxtbjlyjGxS-gogIMt34E7vGf2MQZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Lafayette Common Council on May 5 approved two ordinances to finance improvements at the city's wastewater utility: a refunding ordinance for existing Sewage Works revenue bonds and a $10 million revenue bond to fund construction of improvements at the treatment plant.

What the council approved: The first measure, described by city utility staff as a refunding similar to refinancing a mortgage, authorizes the city to refund its Sewage Works Revenue Bonds, Series 2016. Utility staff said the city may refinance the bonds in October if market conditions are favorable and the transaction would reduce costs for the utility and ratepayers.

The second ordinance authorizes issuance of up to $10,000,000 in revenue bonds to pay for construction and improvements. Utility Director David Anderson (referred to in testimony as David Henderson earlier in the meeting) described the planned uses: closure and remediation of a biosolids lagoon at the treatment plant to free space for eventual expansion, upgrades to pump/lift stations, and construction of a new force main for the Northside Regional Lift Station. Remaining funds will support initial design work for an eventual utility expansion.

Public comment and council action: Staff invited public comment; none was offered. Both measures passed by roll call as second readings. The refunding ordinance passed 9-0; the construction financing ordinance also passed 9-0.

Why it matters: The bonds enable the utility to complete near-term capital work required for reliable treatment operations and to position the plant for future capacity expansion. The refunding, if executed, is expected to lower interest costs if market rates permit. The council recorded the votes and authorized staff to take the necessary next steps, including bond closing and project procurement.

Implementation and oversight: Utility staff said design and bidding will follow procurement rules; the city will return to appropriate boards and publish required financial notices. Any construction timing will depend on contractor selection, permitting and the city's schedule.

Ending: The council's action gives the wastewater utility financial authority to proceed with major plant work and with a refunding that staff said could generate savings for the utility and customers if financing markets cooperate.","The city approved a refunding of Sewage Works revenue bonds and a separate $10 million revenue bond to finance closure of a biosolids lagoon and upgrades to lift stations and a force main at the wastewater treatment plant.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6031511,"Council approves rezoning to clear way for SK Hynix packaging site after heated public comments",2504,851000,3355000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5479816-09c717434c2050ef1a1ede294ba403f1&start=851&end=3355","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5479816-09c717434c2050ef1a1ede294ba403f1/thumbnail_851000.jpg","/articles/6031511/West-Lafayette-City/Tippecanoe-County/Indiana/Council-approves-rezoning-to-clear-way-for-SK-Hynix-packaging-site-after-heated-public-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6031511-93b2c73a72664694e5cc2bc7e88f34fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770428421&Signature=YX3kY0rWfpY2xEogovKBen~NBCNoQETmLlNbpC6jG24PCrpSvXxnIVcz6BQcYVVulHCF-DuN-klUDr2BGYKAtALJjOWCKsuy18NHOSFNQjkF4Z1Qc4vDoOIfk0aAGIbU1wxh6bP8bbql7nOHCgPgWvLbwF3~3TcMLxGFL~QzNQM5UI-LeCdvXJtoT49tX0Ox~Sc1pOBtOuxHwizVzTL1Vhs3KdNP8F8RO7FfabAFZUhTkE1L1QVHEmZM71qiIJRf17c0K2eUCLKengtk2-VdX2EZGzgHEuVJvlIw4P9eQQbpt4ebK-ReLchP1b0oUu4MSFK-5~ekKojzaWlgVaAS-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Lafayette Common Council voted 6-3 on May 5 to rezone property owned by the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) to an I-3 heavy industrial classification to permit SK Hynix's planned advanced packaging facility on the site known as \"Site B,\" and separately approved a neighborhood-business rezoning along Calborough Road tied to the project.

The vote followed nearly three hours of presentations and more than three hours of public comment, including multiple scientists, physicians and residents who urged the council to delay or deny the rezoning because of health, safety and environmental concerns. PRF and SK Hynix representatives emphasized job creation and economic investment while promising further environmental review and community engagement.

Why it matters: SK Hynix's planned facility is part of a national wave of semiconductor investment tied to CHIPS Act funding and could bring local construction work and an estimated 1,000 operations jobs, PRF and SK Hynix said. Opponents warned that the facility and supporting vendors use chemicals (including PFAS-class compounds in some packaging processes), heavy truck traffic and large water withdrawals that warrant fuller environmental review and stronger assurances before changing long-standing residential zoning.

PRF and SK Hynix presentations: PRF vice president Jeremy Slater told the council the foundation had launched community meetings and an information website and stressed an ongoing dialogue: \"We know that tonight is not the end of engagement, but just the beginning,\" he said. Chad Pittman, PRF CEO, and attorney Chris Schellman explained that Site B was selected because it allows the project to be set back farther from homes and gives \"flexibility\" for entrance design and landscape buffering.

SK Hynix Senior Vice President N.K. Kim and HSE lead No Hyuk Park described the company's international experience and pledged to meet U.S. environmental rules and industry standards, saying the company would comply with NEPA and local permitting. Kim told the council West Lafayette was chosen for talent and community ties: \"West Lafayette was the clear choice,\" he said.

Safety and monitoring commitments: SK Hynix's HSE team described planned on-site monitoring, air and wastewater controls and joint emergency-response training with local fire agencies. Fire Chief Jeff Need said his department expects to coordinate and train with the company's on-site emergency team. Utility Director David Henderson said the plant would need an industrial waste permit; \"they will be required to monthly report to IDEM and the city will be copied on these reports,\" Henderson said, adding that the reports \"are publicly available on IDEM's virtual file cabinet.\"

Expert and resident concerns: Local and visiting scientists, physicians and public-health professionals cited published studies and experience in other regions to warn of the risks posed by PFAS and volatile compounds used in some packaging steps. Environmental engineer Todd Brady, retained by PRF, countered that \"the semiconductor industry is one of the safest industries in the U.S., per OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics,\" and noted environmental assessments done for other CHIPS projects. Residents emphasized proximity to day-care centers, elementary schools, the Wellness Center and thousands of nearby homes; petitioners said they had submitted roughly 2,700 signatures opposing the Site B rezone.

Process and next steps: Council debate also addressed process and timing. PRF representatives said Site B rose in the national site-selection process after CHIPS-funding considerations and community engagement intensified over the last several weeks. PRF said it would provide a written commitment to downzone Site A to OR (office/research) and that commitment was presented to the council during the meeting. The transcript shows council members pressed for more details and for documents; PRF said a signed commitment was on hand.

Permitting and environmental review remain: The council's zoning decision permits the land-use change but does not authorize construction. Project-level environmental studies, permitting and any NEPA review still must occur before SK Hynix may begin operations. Henderson said wastewater and air permits will be public and subject to state review; PRF and SK Hynix said they will proceed with the CHIPS funding and NEPA steps. The council approved the Site B I-3 ordinance and a companion neighborhood-business rezoning for Calborough Road, which passed 8-1.

Vote and outcome: Ordinance 18 (rezoning for Site B to I-3) passed by roll call, 6 yeas to 3 nays. Ordinance 17 (NB along Calborough Road) passed 8-1. Council members recorded both votes on the record; the project will now move into the permitting and federal NEPA stages.

What the council directed or decided: The action taken is a land-use rezoning; the council did not, and cannot, change federal CHIPS rules or NEPA requirements. Councilors expressed a desire for continued engagement and records access; several councilors explicitly said they expect PRF and SK Hynix to deliver the environmental and operational details required during permit review.

Ending: The rezoning clears a major administrative hurdle for PRF and SK Hynix, but the facility must complete state and federal environmental permitting and provide the technical disclosure that residents and regulators requested. The city, state agencies and the company said they expect future public comment opportunities during permit and NEPA reviews.

","The West Lafayette Common Council voted 6-3 on May 5 to rezone PRF's \"Site B\" to I-3 heavy industry for SK Hynix's proposed advanced packaging facility after hours of presentations and public comment.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":46,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6031496,"Council creates Riverfront DORA and expands hours to support restaurants and market events",3954,3954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5479816-09c717434c2050ef1a1ede294ba403f1&start=3954&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5479816-09c717434c2050ef1a1ede294ba403f1/thumbnail_3954000.jpg","/articles/6031496/West-Lafayette-City/Tippecanoe-County/Indiana/Council-creates-Riverfront-DORA-and-expands-hours-to-support-restaurants-and-market-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6031496-8b34e1acbd653fc1d93b94134e3895b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770428421&Signature=gGfLTThbfKzqhNo2bZ~AT3jcuGaPlVQgC5US6IMHdXlI61BKYiW4EgHS53oZIjpIbtlUh5tOlQr9Mvs8RI8xyGpgoMIAhMbPionInYWVQ5ZRgvzqLSk0vLK9RRcvPeCDYv2Lg1yeIDIF4shYXixZUl1~fjsys1CnORMrRr2hawymuorr~K~Kao-8OGn0OaB0GD7iDjcpCuiPj4bhHL602toc9XU4Rlr83iSfOwNX0aoLrmULarXCJysPMyEktvaF7CHYXMEM6rjxBvCzgFmutRpycy4MG9eNuALJUIY~tGadxAq8rHS6YTB~3229~Pbk9RMH7JkHX7NT5UzwasIyzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Lafayette Common Council approved a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) covering the Farmers Market and Cumberland Park on May 5, expanding allowable service hours and adjusting minimum-food requirements for vendors at market and park events.

What passed: The council approved a local ordinance establishing a DORA and extending operating hours to allow alcoholic beverage service from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. for authorized vendors during designated events. The ordinance also set a \"minimum food\" requirement for DORA vendors to include hot soups, hot sandwiches, coffee, milk or soft drinks; the language mirrors formulations used in other Indiana DORA programs and will require applicants to submit menus to the city and, as usual, to the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

Council concerns and safeguards: Several council members asked for stronger objective criteria for mayoral recommendation and suggested further refinement; staff noted the mayor provides a recommendation letter when a particular vendor applies and that the city will consult West Lafayette Police for character checks before supporting an application. Because a restaurant currently holds a liquor license that will expire in June, staff and some councilors requested the council approve the DORA ordinance now and consider technical edits at the June meeting, rather than delay and force a local business to forfeit service.

Outcome: The ordinance (DORA) passed on a council roll-call with 7 yeas and 1 nay; the council agreed to consider clarifying language at a future meeting to tighten application criteria and ensure the DORA supports sit-down restaurants rather than replicating a campus-bar atmosphere.

Ending: The DORA opens a pathway for the Farmers Market and Cumberland Park events to include coordinated beverage service. City staff said the mayor as the local recommending official will continue to vet applicants and the ATC will review license transfers as part of the state process.

","The Common Council approved a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) for the Farmers Market and Cumberland Park and extended allowed service hours to 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. for authorized vendors during events.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council clears zoning and funding steps for public safety center and Squirrel Park plaza projects

Council approves $10 million revenue bond and refunding to finance sewage plant upgrades and lagoon closure

Council approves rezoning to clear way for SK Hynix packaging site after heated public comments

Council creates Riverfront DORA and expands hours to support restaurants and market events