This week, Tippecanoe County leaders proposed new rules to pause large-scale data centers — requiring special approvals even in industrial zones.

Why? Because they know data centers consume massive amounts of water and electricity and can pose hazards that demand closer review.

But here’s the double standard:

•  Data centers don’t handle toxic chemicals — SK hynix will.
• Data centers don’t carry explosion risks — SK hynix does.
•  Data centers won’t produce industrial waste next to schools and homes — SK hynix will.

The Area Plan Commission (APC) already recognized these dangers — that’s why it voted NO to SK hynix’s I3 heavy industry rezone.

But the West Lafayette City Council overturned that decision by a 6–3 vote, ignoring overwhelming community opposition and rushing approval through anyway.

• Those who voted NO — David Sanders, Kathy Parker, and former councilor Laila Veidemanis — stood with residents and science.
• But the six who voted YES chose not to side with community voice and safety — and that decision is on public record.

Accountability Still Matters

It’s true — the APC’s recommendation is technically advisory.

But that doesn’t mean the City Council’s decision is beyond accountability.

When councilors choose to override professional warnings and 3,000+ resident voices, they take full responsibility for what follows — especially when the APC’s “advisory” vote was based on clear evidence of health, safety, and environmental risks.

Advisory doesn’t mean meaningless — it means the APC did its job: to warn, analyze, and document the dangers.

The Council chose to ignore those warnings, and that choice now belongs to history.

Having the power to decide also means having the duty to explain why — and that’s exactly what residents are still asking for.

Next Step: West Lafayette City Council — October 6

Every resident gets 3 minutes to speak during public comments.

Let’s make sure our voices are heard — and recorded.

What You Can Do

• Share this update and the petition
• Sign up for our eNewsletter: https://forms.gle/LP7ZUkqWA8wuK4pWA
• Donate to the lawsuit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-our-neighborhood-from-industrial-threat
• Follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stopheavyindustry
• Visit our website: https://stopheavyindustry.com/
• Speak up at the Oct. 6 City Council meeting

— Stop Heavy Industry Team

https://www.basedinlafayette.com/p/zoning-code-proposal-floated-as-a