There has been real progress in recent weeks. The Area Plan Commission voted 15–0 to recommend downzoning Site A from heavy industrial to office/research use. Community engagement continues to grow, with more signatures, stronger turnout, and sustained local coverage.

Yet despite that progress, West Lafayette City Council chose to delay the Site A vote that was expected on November 3. The downzoning — promised six months ago as part of the SK hynix deal — remains undone. Each delay keeps heavy industry alive and nearby neighborhoods in limbo.

The Purdue Research Foundation (PRF, now criticized as the Profit Rezoning Foundation) has been clear about its priorities. PRF Vice President Jeremy Slater confirmed in May that the foundation never considered alternative sites (farther from homes and schools) because its “role in recruiting SK hynix focused on land it owned.” In other words, a private arm of Purdue University prioritized control and profit over public safety.

Meanwhile, Councilor Rabita Rajkarnikar, who was appointed (not elected) to her seat, continues to defend the project. She recently stated she would “still vote yes” because she has “complete faith in PRF” and has “seen how PRF develops.” But residents are asking: What exactly has she seen? When neighborhoods are kept in the dark, what kind of “development” earns blind faith?

As a planner and construction-management professional, Councilor Rajkarnikar has a duty to serve the public interest and protect health and safety. Yet she has consistently sided with a private foundation now under state audit for conflicts of interest and lack of transparency. Her record speaks clearly: she was the only West Lafayette member of the Area Plan Commission to vote yes for SK hynix in March, approving heavy industry next to homes and schools after hours of public testimony warning against it.

A broader pattern is clear. PRF has called this “its plan for decades,” but neighbors were never asked. Some City leaders simply claim to “have faith” — without offering evidence or independent safety assessments.

And SK hynix? It’s the Bulldozer Chip Factory, now fighting in court to silence community voices while branding itself as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies.”

Democracy means representation, not rubber stamps for private power.

Silence is not neutrality — it’s consent.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19xbEaWVnP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.basedinlafayette.com/p/sk-hynix-makes-its-last-pitch-as

https://www.basedinlafayette.com/p/survey-wl-council-members-not-wavering

https://www.basedinlafayette.com/p/this-and-that-democrat-announces

https://www.basedinlafayette.com/p/food-pantries-brace-for-fallout-from

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Join us at City Council Meeting: November 3, 6:30 p.m.

Location: West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave

Get involved:

• Sign up for the eNewsletter: https://forms.gle/LP7ZUkqWA8wuK4pWA
• Request a yard sign: https://forms.gle/UN782BQNPpCsr18b9
• Sign and share the petition.
• Support the legal fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-our-neighborhood-from-industrial-threat
• Email city leadership: eeaster@westlafayette.in.gov, CityCouncil@westlafayette.in.gov
• Follow updates: stopheavyindustry.com and https://www.facebook.com/stopheavyindustry

—Stop Heavy Industry Team