APC recommends rezoning part of Purdue Research Park from I‑3 to OR; neighbors seek clarity on boundaries

The Area Plan Commission on Oct. 15 recommended rezoning a portion of a Purdue Research Foundation property west of Yeager Road from I‑3 to OR (office‑research). Staff said the OR designation more appropriately fits the currently vacant, annexed property and would prohibit outdoor storage that is allowed in I‑3, thus potentially reducing impacts on adjacent neighborhoods.

Christine Roehl (APC staff) described the surrounding land uses: I‑3 to the east and west, existing OR along the north and south, residential to the west and a small node of neighborhood business nearby. Roehl said the comprehensive plan had originally shown industrial uses in 1981, but that development patterns had changed and OR was a better fit for the site now.

Chris Shelman, representing the petitioner, said the Purdue Research Foundation seeks to align the site with nearby OR uses and that the change is consistent with development in the research park. Several residents spoke in favor of rezoning to OR, saying heavy industrial zoning adjacent to neighborhoods is inappropriate. Other residents opposed the rezoning process or asked for a clear record that the rezoned portion is the vacant ground inside the delineated area and that existing I‑3 uses would remain where already developed.

Staff and the petitioner confirmed the rezoning applies to the portion shown inside the mapped boundary, and the clerk recorded 15 ballots in favor of the recommendation; the case is scheduled for West Lafayette City Council on Nov. 3 for final action.