SK hynix community meetings open Friday

Small sessions continue into January. Mayor says city is encouraging company to hold larger-scale informational meetings, too.

• Support for this edition comes from Lafayette Master Chorale, presenting Carols of Christmas at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at First Baptist Church, 411 N. Seventh St., Lafayette. Music helps set the mood for the holiday season. And each year, the Lafayette Master Chorale is pleased to share with the community some of their favorite carols. Modeled after the classic Nine Lessons and Carols, this performance combines beloved seasonal music with readings that share the wonder of the Christmas season. This cherished tradition brings joy year after year. For advance tickets, go to www.lafayettemasterchorale.org.

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SK HYNIX COMMUNITY MEETINGS OPEN FRIDAY

SK hynix launched sign-ups to expand a series of neighborhood and community meetings to explain and answer questions about the South Korean company’s $3.87 billion plant to assemble high-bandwidth memory in West Lafayette.

The company had been holding meetings of 20 or fewer residents invited from neighborhoods close to the 121-acre site north of Kalberer Road, between Yeager Road and County Road 50 West/Salisbury Street.

Those meetings, starting Friday, Dec. 12, now include slots for 20 people to attend weekly sessions through Jan. 29, at this point. Here’s how to sign up.

The company also posted a website that discusses the facility, construction and the company’s plans to start production by the end of 2028.

West Lafayette Mayor Erin Easter told city council members last week that the city had asked SK hynix to go beyond invitations targeted through neighborhood associations.

“They’ve had several conversations with those neighbors and I believe intend to continue to do so,” Easter said. “We have asked that at some point we have larger, more community wide conversations, as well.”

An announcement on West Lafayette’s Facebook page says the city is not coordinating the meetings but that the city “will have a representative present to answer city-specific project questions and provide clarity on related city processes.”

SK hynix officials declined to offer other context beyond what’s been posted on the recently launched site.

Neighbors continue to push back on the chip packaging facility, questioning why it is being placed near residential areas. A pair of lawsuits, combined into one proceeding, is in the preliminary stages of their challenge of the West Lafayette City Council’s 6-3 vote in May 2025 to rezone the Purdue Research Foundation property from residential to industrial uses. (Among the recent coverage: “SK hynix, PRF ask for summary judgment in residents’ legal challenge.”)

The public comment sections at the end of monthly city council meetings have been a sounding board for ongoing frustration and protest over the rezoning decision. City council members who voted for the rezoning, when polled by BiL, have not moved from their position.

But some of that frustration spilled in connection with how SK hynix’s neighborhood sessions went.

“At the recent community meetings, there was surprise at the anger from West Lafayette residents,” Ellen Kresovsky, who lives in the Arbor Chase subdivision, told city council members Dec. 1. “Honestly, you should be surprised we are not angrier. The community has been given absolutely no say and force-fed the same condescending and misleading message that this is safe, trust us.”

• To sign up for an SK hynix community meeting, go to: www.skhynix.com/westlafayette.IN

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BUILDING BiL HOLIDAY PLAYLIST: WHAT’S ON YOURS?

Through Christmas, BiL will curate three songs a day from readers. The assignment isn’t necessarily about the best or most iconic songs of the season. Just songs that you’d want in the mix and why they belong. Submit yours, and enjoy this one.

Patrick Barry Brown

Patrick Barry Brown is a West Lafayette guitarist, songwriter/composer, and producer known for playing with Three Cities, Frank Muffin and bndnm gnr8r. His most recent notable accomplishment involved receiving a nod of approval from Sheila Klinker while leading a crowd in singing Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name” at this year’s second No Kings protest.

“Swiss Colony Beef Log,” Eric Cartman – The holidays are all about tradition — decorations, playlists, and of course, the food! This musically prodigious fourth-grader from the small mountain town of South Park, Colorado, brings us a heartwarming take on the joys of smoked hors d’oeuvres and the wholeness that a good snack can bring to the season.

“Silent Night,” Christopher Lee – Yes, that Christopher Lee! The menacing actor who brought us the timeless movie villains Saruman (the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy) and Count Dooku (“Star Wars: Attack of the Clones”) also released a holiday album showcasing his operatic baritone voice alongside a band of virtuosic players who bring a fresh, original twist to traditional holiday songs.

“No Presents for Christmas,” King Diamond – Dude, this one just rips!

Your turn

What three songs are going into your holiday/seasonal playlist this year? If you’re game share, here’s all we need:

• Three songs and the artists.

• One or two sentences about why you chose each one – could be a memory or a short history or review about why that track belongs in your mix and why you’d recommend it to others.

• A little bit about you to let readers know who’s making the picks.

Send to: davebangert1@gmail.com

Thanks, again, for support from Lafayette Master Chorale, presenting Carols of Christmas at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at First Baptist Church, 411 N. Seventh St., Lafayette. For advance tickets, go to www.lafayettemasterchorale.org.

Thank you for supporting Based in Lafayette, an independent, local reporting project. Free and full-ride subscription options are ready for you here.

Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.