MCMANUS: The reason Scientology has such an outsized influence is because of the cash and assets it has, which is estimated to be $3 billion. The family of Moises Agami, a developer whose companies bought 20 storefronts and a parking lot last year, has donated at least $10 million. ), Clear Takeover: How Scientology doubled its downtown Clearwater footprint in 3 years, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover. Church officials used a straw corporation to buy the historic Fort Harrison Hotel and moved in under a fake name. The Times report describes spaces such as a former jewelry store, an empty Walgreens and a deserted laundromat sitting empty and unused. Of the 100 properties bought by parishioner-managed companies near the downtown waterfront from 2017 to 2019, 24 storefronts and buildings remain empty, including a former Walgreens, an old jewelry store and prominent buildings along the North Fort Harrison corridor. The purchases totaled $11.8 million and were documented by the Tampa Bay Times in its November 2021 story: companies connected to the Church of Scientology are buying tracts of land within the 55-acre district and not disclosing what they plan to do with them. A deserted coin laundry. Real estate offices, vitamin shops and vacant storefronts fill prime locations that in a more vibrant downtown might hold breweries, restaurants and boutiques. Eventually, open tensions faded. Recommend. Flag is supposed to be an insulated oasis. Since 2017, the Church of Scientology and companies run by its members have bought 92 properties around the center of downtown. Mayor Jane Castors partner vowed not to lobby the city. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. The land grab started as tensions grew between the church and the Clearwater City Council. The spa's website makes it clear that, "In fact, we are, by definition, a Christian based business.". Wayne E. Lee ran his Auto Parts Distributors business on Park Street since 1982. The project broke ground in August and is aimed at helping bring businesses and foot traffic to the empty storefronts in the surrounding blocks. They now own most commercial property on every block within walking distance of the waterfront, putting the secretive church firmly in control of the areas future. He saw the area improve when police cracked down on drugs and prostitution decades ago. The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. Defectors have said they were paid less than $50 a week. The church attracts members through a theology of self improvement and understanding. Weve spent a lot of happy years here, Lares said. In recent puff piece media coverage in Clearwater, we are told that Riley: is in the process of buying 15 tracts in the Clearwater Marina area to develop what he is calling the Clearwater Marina District a connected walkable community with modern offices, retail, luxury condos and a boutique hotel, as well as affordable housing. However, this tactic can backfire when it comes across as answering a question no one has asked. But its potential is still untapped, with prime vacant land overlooking Clearwater Harbor. Getty. His partner is Scientologist Maria Dolores Gregori Fuster. Another Scientologist, Rick Argall, owned a building on downtowns Garden Avenue that housed six Scientologist-run businesses, including a chiropractic clinic he operated with a fellow church member. In 2002, she was listed as an international deputy of a committee tasked with disseminating Scientology doctrine. She said, Well, well have to invite you down for dinner, he recalled. Andrus helped carry out a plan to stop a Scientologist who had spied on the federal government from turning himself in to the FBI. Among other things, Ozsan is, according to our source, Trish Duggans money manager. This one is owned by a parishioner who had been featured on the churchs Meet a Scientologist video series. Companies tied to the Church of Scientology paid millions in cash for 45 properties near downtown with no major plans in sight. Real estate agent David Kerr represented a buyer that paid more than three times what a property was valued by the county property appraiser. City officials say their dedication to redeveloping the waterfront hasnt changed. Scientology has said it has 10 million followers, but surveys and accounts from former members suggest there are no more than 30,000 worldwide. Its designed not for recruiting new members but for hosting established followers. But in the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. After that, the Times writes, Scientology began grabbing property at an unprecedented rate, adding that they now own most commercial property on every block within walking distance of the waterfront, putting the secretive church firmly in control of the areas future. In fact, 22 of the first 33 buildings on Cleveland Street, considered the downtown districts main artery, are tied to Scientology. Thats a factor we do not control, Delk said. And it's all surrounding the city's downtown waterfront. Its like they are trying to control the whole thing.. and last updated 7:53 PM, Oct 21, 2019. In the world of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the wog world by damnedits Christmas 24/7. Mike Rinder, who led Scientologys intelligence arm before defecting in 2007, said any property owned by a parishioner is in the churchs control. My sister is always struggling with money and drugs: I own a house with my husband and mother. According to his resume, he started the firm in 2003. This month, Shahab Emrani was elected to the Downtown Development Board, which helps promote downtown. In North America, Melitta is the leading brand of coffee filters. He is not listed on the corporate filings for any of the eight limited liability companies that recently bought the North Marina properties. Its too soon to say how the shift in ownership will affect downtown. In those cases, four or more parcels purchased together clearly comprised a single piece of real estate. The Church of Scientology and its parishioners now own a lot of real estate in Clearwater, Fla., as reported by the Tampa Bay Times. Over the past two years, the properties surrounding the shop have been sold to Scientologist-controlled companies. But far more non-Scientologists are moving out. Story by TRACEY McMANUS The memos were later seized by the FBI. He demanded to see their financials, their board of directors. Here is a map showing the parcels in purple which Riley is acquiring: We have previously offered our opinion that the $102 million in Downtown Clearwater land purchases made by Scientologists came from GPB Capital Holdings. But after a dispute with the city, Miscavige cut communication. The property wasnt on the market. He had committed to downtown in 1997. MCMANUS: You know, Lulu, from my reporting, I've learned that there's a lot of mistrust and suspicion still in the community when it comes to Scientology because a lot of the residents here were living in the city when Scientology arrived in the '70s, and they remember the tactics Scientology used. In January and February 2017, as the council was preparing to approve the consultants concept, a handful of companies bought six commercial properties downtown. Four high-ranking defectors describe bizarre behavior and physical beatings inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige. About $15.9 million was paid in cash. We are an equal opportunity employer and fully EEOC compliant. In 2017 the church acquired six downtown Clearwater retail properties through limited liability companies. Scientologys survival depends on the preservation of its headquarters in Clearwater. Each had proposed major redevelopment projects, designed to lure new business into the empty storefronts that surround the city-owned waterfront and the churchs spiritual headquarters. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. A broker who was a Scientologist approached a downtown property owner. My true love gave to me/Three French hens/Two turtle doves/And a partridge in a pear tree). Taking into account these denials, we now have a new opinion to offer our readers. But the couple isnt ready to let go. Block after block, vacant lots sit untouched, and storefronts remain empty: A former jewelry store. If Epsteins client was not the Church of Scientology then who is his client? These are the companies and names on this list (put into alphabetical order, I also added what are probably the largest scientology owned businesses in the area KnowB4, NTC, Consumer Sales Solutions and Energy Professionals: Axiom Bahia Property Management (Raul Aleman) Blue Streak Docs (Sam Gendusa) Buzzazz Business Solutions (Keanan Kintzel) After buying eight buildings on and around Cleveland Street in 2018, Moises Agami, a parishioner and developer, now has restaurants, shops and other businesses in 16 of those 20 storefronts. Scientology members fuel another land-buying surge in Clearwater Companies tied to the Church of Scientology paid millions in cash for 45 properties near downtown with no major plans in. Riley thereafter became a Regional Manager forCB Richard Ellis. It also has to be someone who trusts the Epsteins enough to invest with them. City leaders spent tens of millions improving streets, subsidizing residential projects and hiring consultants. It said information in parishioner folders is sacrosanct and claims of blackmail have long since been disproven.. They doubled the churchs footprint in less than three years. The few willing to answer questions said Scientology has no influence on their real estate dealings. NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro speaks with reporter Tracey McManus. He is linked to the Church of Scientology via the Epsteins and Trish Duggan. Religious Technology Center (RTC) is the primary manager of Scientology intellectual property. Take away the church footprint, a few condo towers and all buildings owned by the government. Both the Church of Scientology and GPB Capital denied it. The gallery does not include properties bought by companies run by church members. I dont know what their plan is.. Church of Scientology website It is with great pride we welcome you to the Church of Scientology of Melbourne. During spiritual counseling, parishioners are interrogated about their deepest secrets, which are recorded in folders and stored indefinitely. (Guess he hasnt seen the game tapes), US Supreme Court refuses to block Florida execution of Donald Dillbeck, Red-hot USF women close out home schedule with explosive offensive showing, Editorial Cartoons for Thursday from Times Wire Services, Church of Scientologys presence in Pinellas County, Clear Takeover: How Scientology doubled its downtown Clearwater footprint in 3 years, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover, Typhoon cancels Clearwaters sister city visit to Nagano. The Church was unaware of the land purchases? This purchase was part of Project Normandy, a covert Scientology program to take over Clearwater. Additional Clearwater real estate purchases began in 2019. Candidates and Scientologists Emrani, Kintzel and . 20, 2019. He told Fischler that before Scientology bought the Fort Harrison Hotel in 1975 he worked there as a busboy. It is all so convenient for Rodney that it appears to be scripted. CEO Approval. I just was curious if this is possibly a decent job or if EVERY scientologist owned company is a recruiting scam. Scientologists Brett Miller and Joanie and Steve Sigal recommended Frank Hibbard for Mayor. DEUTERIUM ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Searcy felt like hed created a canvas for a dream hotel, condo and retail project: near the bridge to Clearwater Beach, no height restrictions, all under $5 million. We will continue research on our new Trish Duggan theory. After negotiations, Kerrs company paid Yarbrough $1.1 million in cash for the lots, then valued by Pinellas County at $331,000. Since July 2019, eight limited liability companies managed or operatedby members of the church have bought 45 properties in North Marina, including Chesneys. Hormel says inflation, supply chain issues and weak sales hit earnings, Macy's shares surge as retailer posts earnings well ahead of forecasts, A supposed Scientology cruise ship is quarantined in St. Lucia over measles, Saturday Night Live star Chloe Fineman says Lorne Michaels gave her the best financial advice, As Republicans further intensify Hunter Biden focus, Attorney General Garland insists hes remained hands-off in years-old investigation, Teslas stock falls 5% as Elon Musks Master Plan 3 is short on details about both cars and finances, What's next for bonds in 2023 after the worst year in history. Everyone in KnowBe4 knows I'm a (proud) Scientologist. Soters comment evokes for us what Captain Renault said in Casablanca: Im shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!. While theres no law against hanging onto property, developers typically buy land, build on it and sell it for profit. CLEARWATER An old jewelry store on the corner of Cleveland Street that welcomes visitors to the core of downtown sits empty, unchanged since a company managed by a Church of Scientology. Scientology has been accused of using the information as blackmail. The Church of Scientology and companies run by its members have spent $103 million since 2017 buying about 100 properties. Concerned he wouldnt be able to pay his mortgage, Argall said he deeded the building, appraised at $780,000, back to the previous owner. Miscaviges offer to revitalize downtown hinged on the city ending its attempt to buy one vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. The other side of that is flag is run by the Sea Org, the Scientology's full-time workforce. Some have donated millions to the church. An empty Walgreens. They spent $6.5 million to renovate the public Seminole Boat Ramp, a popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the citys commitment. After the City Council voted to buy the lot in April 2017, Miscavige refused to talk to city officials for the next two and a half years. Unrestrained 5-year-old child falls out of truck, run over in Tampa, troopers say, Hundreds of USF students join statewide walkout to protest DeSantis education policies, Rays Shane McClanahan already hitting upper 90s nice to see, Estimates vary widely on cost to expand school vouchers in Florida, Food company A Good Human is opening a vegan cooking school in St. Petersburg, Bucs new coordinator is confident! Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. Moreover, tens of thousands of Scientologists travel to the city each year from around the world to participate in religious services at the Church's spiritual home. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Who are they buying from, and how much were they offering? Among them was to make Clearwater known as the first Scientology city in the world.. He was overseeing the religion from aboard a ship to avoid investigations into tax evasion and fraud when he selected Clearwater as a spiritual headquarters. Im concerned, Mayor Frank Hibbard said. They envisioned apartment buildings with ground-floor stores, winding paths with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and a concert venue that would draw visitors from across the region. The analysis considered property within the general boundaries of Cedar Street to the north, Missouri Avenue to the east, Chestnut Street to the south and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west. Another tell. There's parishioners that come here from all over the world to take courses in high level auditing that's not offered anywhere else. Fifty-eight are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown. Fifty-three of those are for properties owned by companies run by himself with fellow Scientologist Emrani, a candidate in this election. If so, it's technically possible with a home IPO. It appears that Project Normandy is still operational. Nearly all of the roughly two dozen people listed as operating the companies are Scientologists. That has led defectors from the church and city leaders to believe there is little chance parishioners are making significant real estate deals around Scientologys mecca without the churchs involvement. Nearly all of the properties were bought through limited liability companies, which are required to disclose their operators but not their owners. Accuracy and availability may vary. And yes, everyone that works here is asked to keep politics and religion out . Riley is also working with Gensler on the development. Visitors walk through downtown on a Friday. They called it, quote, "little more than self-serving propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting." In Florida, limited liability companies that buy property are required to disclose administrative operators but not their owners. ARKWRIGHT ROAD LIMITED The Times counted each parcel that was assigned a value by the property appraiser as a single property with five exceptions. Scientologists living in Clearwater span the gamut of professional life . MCMANUS: Yeah, that's a good question. The companies paid a combined $11.8 million in cash for 28 undeveloped parcels, five empty commercial buildings and a dozen homes in the district, most of them dilapidated. Scientology leader David Miscavige had his own redevelopment plan. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard had written about doing away with governments and replacing them with a Scientology-run society. All 45 North Marina properties were purchased by companies managed or operated by two longtime members of Scientology: Steven Hayes, an attorney who has done legal work on behalf of church related organizations for more than two decades, and Norm Novitsky, a businessperson who has donated at least $5 million to Scientology. But David Kerr, a local real estate agent and parishioner, walked in one day with an offer. And he was going to build an entertainment complex with Tom Cruise. They started hosting concerts on the waterfront that now draw thousands. VIDEO: Finally, Scientific Proof that Scientologys Body Thetans Cannot Exist! The church offered $15 million for the parcel. Former parishioners say the church has a history of interfering in Scientologists downtown business. We previously reported on CA South Development. ( magazine) Applied Philosophy ARC Straightwire (ARC stands for affinity-reality-communication) ARC Fil Direct Audited NOTs (NOT stands for NED [New Era Dianetics] Operating Thetan) The Auditor Brokers who are Scientologists approached at least 15 downtown owners about unlisted properties. The lack of action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent. The Times also contacted representatives of all 32 companies it identified that bought downtown real estate over the past three years. Gentile also purchased several Clearwater companies owned by Scientologists who may have invested the proceeds into land deals. Part of the reason for that is because they have this Sea Org that works full time and is paid less than $50 a week. It has terrorized defectors with private investigators, smear campaigns and relentless litigation. A sign in front of the business says, "Notice: This is one of the only spas in downtown Clearwater not owned by a Scientologist .". That company has had no connection to Coldwell Banker for decades. Times investigative reporters pored over 1,000 deeds and business records, and interviewed more than 90 people, to connect the dots from the church buying its first hotel in the area in 1975, to Scientologists and their businesses now owning 185 properties covering 101 acres in the heart of downtown Clearwater which is also Scientologys headquarters, and home to its flag campus, to which Scientologists across the globe make pilgrimages. Richard Tobias, an independent real estate appraiser in Pinellas County, said vast purchases of downtown real estate by entities tied to Scientology have cast confusion over the market. A newspaper report says the Church of Scientology and companies run by its members spent more than $100 million over the past three years buying up huge sections of downtown Clearwater. (CBRE) in April 2016. A few months after Yarbrough relocated, a new electrical company moved into his old building. Epstein could have simply told the reporter his client was not the Church of Scientology and left it at that. Osman Ozsan is of interest to us because he is connected to Rod Riley, a non-Scientologist realtor and real estate developer from Arizona. He owns Stonebridge Real Estate and served as president of the Florida Gulfcoast Commercial Association of Realtors in 2017. How much of Clearwater is owned by Scientology? Should we cut my sister out of the family inheritance? Theres no such thing in Scientology. . Instead, the aquarium sold it to the city in April 2017 for a lot less $4.25 million. About 72 percent of those properties are tax exempt for religious uses. What's more, the Times found a Scientology magazine from the 1990s that listed goals for the new millennium. Flag is what they call it, and it's the international spiritual headquarters of the church. Then the council interfered with a land deal that Scientology demanded for its plan. He promoted the site to about 75 hoteliers and developers across the country. In private meetings with council members, the Scientology leader described a plan for high-end shops, Cleveland Street facade renovations and an entertainment complex involving actor Tom Cruise, Scientologys most famous parishioner. Fifty-eight are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown.. 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