Area plan commission splits on PRF rezoning for proposed SK Hynix site; industrial rezoning recommended for denial

The Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission on March 19 considered two rezoning requests from the Purdue Research Foundation tied to a proposed SK Hynix advanced‑packaging facility and split its recommendation: it approved an R‑to‑NB (neighborhood business) rezoning and a set of commitments but recommended denial of an R‑to‑I‑3 (industrial) rezoning that would have allowed the packaging facility on the parcel closest to existing neighborhoods.

Purdue Research Foundation attorney Chris Shulman and PRF vice president Jeremy Slater presented the proposals as steps to secure a major semiconductor investment and to keep the project in the university’s research park. Slater described the facility as an “advanced packaging” operation that focuses on later‑stage semiconductor assembly and said it would be designed and operated to meet federal, state and local environmental standards.

The commission’s action split along technical and public‑safety lines. For the NB parcel (Z‑2968) the commission voted 11‑3 in favor of the rezoning; a separate set of commitments tied to the I‑3 request passed unanimously, 14‑0. On the I‑3 petition (Z‑2969), however, the APC voted 9‑5 against recommending the rezone, and the commission’s denial will be forwarded to the West Lafayette City Council for its April 7 meeting.

Why it matters: supporters said the site would anchor high‑paying, research‑oriented jobs and align with efforts to build a regional semiconductor ecosystem. Opponents — including university faculty, public‑health researchers and dozens of residents — said the planned facility uses hazardous chemicals and that even advanced packaging operations can carry air, water and safety risks when sited close to homes, schools and senior living facilities.

‘‘This is an advanced packaging facility,’’ said Vijay Raghunathan, who identified himself as Purdue’s vice president for global partnerships. ‘‘These processing steps use several dozens of extremely hazardous chemicals, poisonous gases, metals. … I will humbly submit to this commission that as far as I am concerned … this list of commitments is meaningless’’ as a substitute for adequate separation from residences.

Purdue and PRF officials said the chosen site provides natural and engineered buffers, regulatory oversight and covenant controls through the research park. Jennifer Van Sciver, West Lafayette’s director of development, told the commission city staff had coordinated with PRF and that any development must remain inside the city’s sewer service area.

Public comment was extensive: professors who study semiconductors and environmental health, neighborhood residents, parents and medical professionals warned about long‑term exposure risks, traffic impacts, stormwater and groundwater effects, and the potential for catastrophic incidents. Speakers repeatedly asked for an environmental impact review and for a larger separation between industrial processes and homes.

The commission’s recommendation against the I‑3 rezone does not end the process. The PRF petitions will go to West Lafayette city elected officials for final decisions and for any additional environmental, traffic or engineering requirements the city imposes.

What’s next: The West Lafayette City Council will consider the APC’s recommendation on April 7; PRF and SK Hynix representatives said they would continue engineering, permitting and coordination with city and state regulators.