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

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…