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Commission approves vacation of right‑of‑way for Horizon Complex thermal well infrastructure after debate on geothermal approach
Summary
On second reading the commission adopted Ordinance 2025‑40 to vacate portions of right‑of‑way near West Bay Drive NW so the City can install thermal well infrastructure to serve the Horizon Complex; public commenters criticized the cost and climate rationale while a consulting engineer explained geothermal was recommended to avoid cooling‑tower impacts on adjacent redevelopment.
The Largo City Commission on Oct. 7 adopted Ordinance 2025‑40 on second reading to vacate portions of right‑of‑way adjacent to the 400 block of West Bay Drive NW to allow installation of thermal well infrastructure to serve the Horizon Complex.
Staff told the commission there were no changes since first reading and that the city, as property owner, requested the vacated rights‑of‑way to permit installation of the thermal‑well system. The ordinance text presented to the commission cites the official plat book and legal description for the affected area.
During public comment, resident Greg Gardner strongly criticized the project budget and the decision to use wells and geothermal exchange. Gardner said the city "wasted $3,000,000" on outdated chillers and suggested the plan prioritized awards and credentials over operational efficiency. In response, mechanical engineer Barry West Martin — who identified himself as not a mechanical engineer at first then as representing the project evaluation — explained the city evaluated a cooling‑tower option but noted that siting a ground cooling tower adjacent to a redevelopment area could create structural costs and indoor‑air concerns; he stated "geothermal really is the recommended heat exchange solution there." City commissioners asked technical and process questions before moving to adopt the ordinance; the motion passed by the recorded vote in the transcript (6‑0).
The ordinance vacates specific right‑of‑way segments to allow for the installation of the thermal well infrastructure serving the Horizon Complex; staff said the item had been approved on first reading Sept. 2 and no substantive changes were reported between readings.
