companies owned by scientologists in clearwater

In the article cited, Riley makes an interesting comment (emphasis ours): The opportunity Riley is pursuing to activate the 21 acres is similar to his project in Mesa, Arizona, where he acquired and developed nine properties. Riley is also working with Gensler on the development. During that period, downtown purchases by limited liability companies managed by members of Scientology accelerated. GARCIA-NAVARRO: What do you mean billion year contracts? Clearwater is the center of that revenue stream. Among them: make Clearwater known as the first Scientology city in the world.. Miscaviges offer to revitalize downtown hinged on the city ending its attempt to buy one vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. Copyright 2023 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved. The Tampa Bay Times discovered them by reviewing more than 1,000 deeds and business records, then interviewed more than 90 people to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the transactions. If this is Trish Duggans money, and Scientologist Osman Ozsan manages her money, then that could very likely make Trish Duggan the Scientologist financier behind the scenes on the Clearwater land purchases. They didnt say what they were going to do with them, and I never asked, said Chesney, who works as the citys marine and aviation department director. The Florida Secretary of States record on Rod Rileys RST Capital Advisors LLC: Categories: Clearwater, Osman Ozsan, Trish Duggan, Tagged as: CA South Development, Clearwater Marina District, David Gentile, DEUTERIUM ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED, DEUTERIUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS LIMITED, Gary Soter, Gregori And Company LLC, Maria Dolores Gregori Fuster, Megan Epstein, Osman Ozsan, Ozsan, RSR Capital Advisors LLC, Stephen Epstein, Tampa Bay Times, Tracey McManus, Trish Duggan, Re: The companies paid a combined $11.8 million in cash for 28 undeveloped parcels, five empty commercial buildings and a dozen homes, When I read that, I couldnt help but be reminded of the English Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas (On the third day of Christmas/ Hes still holding out. Agami also signed two more leases on the same block with restaurants owned by people not connected to the church. The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. [1] GARCIA-NAVARRO: What is the view of the local community? Miscavige cut off communication with the city. Fuster and Ozsan go back a long way to Altea Real Property Ltd. in London. "I do not want to be associated . Fischler, a local real estate agent, negotiated at least 10 of the downtown deals, according to interviews with sellers. In summer 2017, Mark Searcy, a longtime Clearwater real estate agent who is not a Scientologist, assembled a 1-acre site by getting the owners of three adjoining properties to agree to sell. And $99 million of the $103 million in real-estate deals over the past three years were in cash. They also pointed to the latest edition of their Freedom magazine for what they called an accurate portrayal of the church and its members in Clearwater. But Lee assumed the church was involved. 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. What Clearwaters City Council thinks, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, See a slideshow of all the churchs buildings. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . The church promised to spend $55 million. Fifty-eight are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown. Gensler does all the architectural work for Scientologys Ideal Orgs. In her bombshell 2019 news story Clear Takeover, Tracey McManus revealed that $103 million in Downtown Clearwater land purchases were made by a series of LLC's owned by Scientologists. Made an offer. The Times counted each parcel that was assigned a value by the property appraiser as a single property with five exceptions. The report notes that half of these properties have been bought since January 2017 after the organization and the Clearwater City Council presented competing redevelopment projects to the downtown district and its waterfront. In September, Andrus completed construction there on Marina Bay 880, two towers that hug the marina with 87 luxury condos and amenities like an Olympic-sized pool and sauna. The Times also contacted representatives of all 32 companies it identified that bought downtown real estate over the past three years. While theres no law against hanging onto property, developers typically buy land, build on it and sell it for profit. It set aside $10 million for secret real estate purchases in Clearwater. Philip Kirkpatrick, Clearwaters senior economic development coordinator, said Stephen Epstein spoke with city officials in December about a potential commercial and multifamily project on the site. Hes starting to assemble properties, Allbritton said. A for-lease sign sits in long-vacant retail space at The SkyView condo tower, owned by Scientologist and developer Moises Agami. City officials plan to partner with a developer on ways to adapt the red brick schoolhouse, like turning it into a hub for restaurants, retail, or apartments. Tracey McManus is a Scientology reporter for the paper, and she joins us now. But companies controlled by different parishioners bought neighboring properties that create clear assemblages of land. Epstein declined to name his client but responded to questions from the Timeswith an affidavit declaring it was not the Church of Scientology. In late 2020, Terri Novitsky also was elected to the Downtown Development Board, an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown. Project Normandy was described in one of hundreds of internal memos Scientology officials exchanged about their plans to infiltrate and control Clearwater. I just was curious if this is possibly a decent job or if EVERY scientologist owned company is a recruiting scam. Members have to answer to their ethics officer for any act of disloyalty to Scientologys mission. New details about the case of Lisa McPherson, who died in the care of Scientologists, from the executive who directed the Church of Scientologys handling of the case. He walked away with nothing. Andrus helped carry out a plan to stop a Scientologist who had spied on the federal government from turning himself in to the FBI. It appears that Project Normandy is still operational. The US average revenue of a car dealership is $38.3 million. The churchs hostility toward the public became clear from its first days in the city in fall 1975. All rights reserved. In both communities [comparing Mesa to Clearwater], there is a major presence of a church. A sign in front of the business says, "Notice: This is one of the only spas in downtown Clearwater not owned by a Scientologist .". The city received an informal inquiry last year related to vacant land at the southeast corner of Seminole Street and North Fort Harrison Avenue. Mike Rinder, who led the churchs intelligence arm before defecting in 2007, said that when it comes to property around Flag, theres no real distinction between whether its owned by the church or a parishioner. The church requires followers to shun family members, friends and business contacts who defy it. He owns Stonebridge Real Estate and served as president of the Florida Gulfcoast Commercial Association of Realtors in 2017. Businesses without ties to the church are moving into a few of those. can t use carpenter's workbench skyrim; how long does it take a rat to starve to death; cowboy hat making supplies; why would i get a letter from circuit clerk MCMANUS: Right - because the city officials have said that there's only so many factors they control. Instead, Epstein took the formal step of using an affidavit to deny that the Church of Scientology is not the client. NIO's stock slumped toward a 2 1/2-year low, after the China-based EV maker reported a much wider-than-expected loss and revenue that fell short of forecasts. In a letter, the church said the Times is misinterpreting Scientology policy and that other religions also practice shunning. The city wants to turn downtown into a regional destination for food, drink and entertainment. It met his criteria: It was located in a warm climate near an international airport and had a hotel the Sea Org could turn into a base. Then the council interfered with a land deal that Scientology demanded for its plan. Real estate agent Brian Andrus controls seven properties bought around the citys public boat ramp. The only record of redevelopment that has occurred among the 45 properties is a roof replacement on a vacant building on North Fort Harrison Avenue and internal demolition in a former flooring center two blocks north, according to notices in Pinellas County records. Thats a factor we do not control, Delk said. Some have donated millions to the church. 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. Among other things, Ozsan is, according to our source, Trish Duggans money manager. GARCIA-NAVARRO: So the fact that the church is now buying up these properties through proxy organizations would maybe ring some alarm bells for the community because of what has happened in the past. Typically, when people buy commercial real estate, they move forward with construction or redevelopment. 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. Clearwater is the permanent home to more than 10,000 Scientology parishioners. 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. Some of the parishioners have a history of working on Scientologys behalf. This is a story for another time. The Church of Scientology, its members and companies controlled by its members have spent $103 million over the past three years buying retail property in downtown Clearwater, Fla., according to the Tampa Bay Times. 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. Businesses might see this city project and say, yeah, let me take a chance on downtown and open up a business. Candidates and Scientologists Emrani, Kintzel and . Ozsan has had a residence in London since 2001. Tom De Vocht, a former Scientology executive who oversaw the churchs property in Clearwater from 1996 to 2001, said he believes Scientology is responding to the citys efforts by creating a buffer to keep the public away. In six cases, buyers paid quadruple the propertys value. Nicole Lyn Pesce is News Editor, Trending at MarketWatch and is based in New York. I mean, how big is the Church of Scientology where you are? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Scientology Fines OTs $100,000 if They Talk About Xenu or Body Thetans! . In summer 2018, Fischler walked into Bob Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to make owner Dennis Bosi an offer. It is headed by David Miscavige [1] . This makes no sense, except of course to a bigot.. All they did was act like children and make crude sex/homophobic/racial jokes about being raped, gangbanged, etc. If so, it's technically possible with a home IPO. According to his resume, he started the firm in 2003. When the city was considering buying the aquariums lot, Miscavige threatened to stop communicating until the 2020 election, when term limits would force most of the council out of office. 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. Disloyalty has life-changing consequences. The new owners also are sitting on about 30 undeveloped lots. Four high-ranking defectors describe bizarre behavior and physical beatings inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige. Xenu Who? Seventy-three percent of the property is tax-exempt for religious purposes. Osman Ozsan is, in our opinion, one of the more notable Scientologists youve never heard of. He is not listed on the corporate filings for any of the eight limited liability companies that recently bought the North Marina properties. Do I spend another 10 years and see what happens in downtown Clearwater?, Scientology, Pinellas County and Clearwater Reporter. In January and February 2017, a handful of limited liability companies bought six prime downtown parcels. My true love gave to me/Three French hens/Two turtle doves/And a partridge in a pear tree). Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Investigative Fund. CLEARWATER Ed Chesney had two rental homes and two vacant lots in the North Marina Area on the market for a year before his real estate agent called in late 2019 with good news. The inn had stood empty since being damaged in a 1989 arson fire and the Church of Scientology acquired the land in 1991 after it had been purchased by local property developer Terence J. McCarthy, the owner of T.J.M. His wife, parishioner and real estate agent, Terri Novitsky, represented the buyer in many of the deals, according to interviews with sellers. Visitors walk through downtown on a Friday. Theres no such thing in Scientology. 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. ARKWRIGHT ROAD LIMITED He shows up in Clearwater from Arizona a few months ago. The church also targeted the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Justice and scores of foreign governments. VIDEO: Finally, Scientific Proof that Scientologys Body Thetans Cannot Exist! Epstein declined to name his client but responded to questions from the Times with an affidavit declaring it was not the Church of Scientology. An empty Walgreens. This is a story for another time. The Church was unaware of the land purchases? But on days with no events, downtown feels deserted. This one is owned by a parishioner who had been featured on the churchs Meet a Scientologist video series. MCMANUS: Brokers representing these companies were approaching downtown property owners. An elevated walkway connects the building to the Fort Harrison Hotel, the churchs first purchase in the city in 1975. I had to make a decision, Bosi said. Your characterization that his religious affiliations somehow control his business activities is evidence of personal bias against his religion, Zaretsky wrote. and last updated 7:53 PM, Oct 21, 2019. The Church of Scientology and companies run by its members spent $103 million over the past three years buying up vast sections of downtown Clearwater. Of the $103 million spent, $99 million was paid in cash. They spent $6.5 million to renovate the public Seminole Boat Ramp, a popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the citys commitment. Over half are owned or operated by Scientologists. DEUTERIUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS LIMITED The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. A Scientology Based Company in Clearwater tried to Hire me and lie to me (VIDEO) So I just moved down to the clearwater area and I'm new to knowing that this is the "mecca" for scientology programs. Defectors have said they were paid less than $50 a week. 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. He wanted the council to stop trying to buy a vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. Tyler Rice has run Carillon Flooring Center on North Fort Harrison for 30 years, the business his father started there in 1964. Scientology came to downtown Clearwater in 1975. Visitors are expected to stay in Scientologys hotels and eat at private church restaurants. MCMANUS: Scientology arrived in downtown Clearwater in 1975. Tal Ezra, a Scientologist who recently bought four parcels around an office where he has run his fuel management company since 2005, said hes considering office space and possibly a retail shop. Additional Clearwater real estate purchases began in 2019. Most did not respond or declined to comment. After negotiations, Kerrs company paid Yarbrough $1.1 million in cash for the lots, then valued by Pinellas County at $331,000. Agami, the developer whose family gave $10 million, leased a storefront to a non-Scientologist that has become a successful restaurant since opening in 2017. Aaron Smith-Levin, a former Sea Org member, said a church ethics officer in 1993 pressured Smith-Levins father-in-law to sell Scientology a downtown property it wanted for expansion. The land grab started as tensions grew between the church and the Clearwater City Council. 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. Copyright 2019 NPR. Even as Scientologys footprint expanded, and nearby Clearwater Beach became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, downtown businesses struggled to stay open. The campus collects millions each week through fundraising and payments for expensive courses and high-level religious counseling not offered anywhere else. There is no discrimination for or against *any* religion. Osman Ozsan has been a Scientologist since the 1990s. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., [ More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover ]. Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw said in a statement that the church is not involved with the acquisitions. This month, Shahab Emrani was elected to the Downtown Development Board, which helps promote downtown. The Church of Scientology and companies run by its members have spent $103 million since 2017 buying about 100 properties. Scientology has been accused of using the information as blackmail. GPB Capital Holdings: Court-Appointed Monitors Report on Q4 2022 Activities. Welcome. The Church of Scientology has done many things at a remove or by a ruse, feint, or stratagem. They have completed courses and spiritual counseling that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Riley had no reason to mention that he had worked with Mormons and will now work to communicate with the Scientologists in Clearwater. This reads like deliberately premanufactured PR to us. Howd that go? The lack of action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent. In January and February 2017, as the council was preparing to approve the consultants concept, a handful of companies bought six commercial properties downtown. In addition to a park and amphitheater, Imagine Clearwater also calls for several new projects on the waterfront with residences and retail. For example, David Miscaviges personal lawyer of 35 years Monique Yingling has never been a Scientologist. City leaders spent tens of millions improving streets, subsidizing residential projects and hiring consultants. Although that arrangement is standard in real estate, it makes it impossible to know whether the properties are owned by the Scientologists who manage the companies, the wealthy church or another hidden party. If our work stats did not improve day to day . Osman Ozsan is of interest to us because he is connected to Rod Riley, a non-Scientologist realtor and real estate developer from Arizona. On Sept. 7, Epsteins employee was removed from the corporate filings of the company that own the land. Fischler approached Bosi again in September. (On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Times reported that since 2017, companies run by members of Scientology bought another 86 downtown commercial properties. Leading up to the waterfront, 22 of the first 33 buildings now have ties to Scientology. But Scientologist-controlled companies are also sitting on at least 26 vacant lots and 31 empty storefronts and offices. Rice said hes been surprised that he has not been approached by brokers trying to buy his 10,000-square-foot building. . Scientologists from across the globe make pilgrimages to the campus, called Flag. CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) A newspaper report says the Church of Scientology and companies run by its members spent more than $100 million over the past . GARCIA-NAVARRO: It's the type of servitude. Its too soon to say how the shift in ownership will affect downtown. In 2017 the church acquired six downtown Clearwater retail properties through limited liability companies. This gallery shows all 60 properties Scientology owns under its name in Pinellas county and six additional retail properties the church acquired through limited liability companies in 2017. But the promised downtown revival never came. In the world of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the wog world by damnedits Christmas 24/7. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email along with 7129 other subscribers. We are an equal opportunity employer and fully EEOC compliant. My plan is to keep renting, Huestler said. Half the properties were bought since January 2017. Originally founded in 1955, we are the oldest Scientology Church in Australia. Most of the sales have not previously been reported. They keep their operations going. Real estate agent Daphna Fischler, a Scientologist, called and showed up to the shop a handful of times in mid-2018. Tampa Bay Times reporter Tracey McManus has spent the last four years writing about Scientology and the churchs relationship with the city of Clearwater. The total of all Scientology-connected Clearwater real estate purchases $114.8 million. It is a big faux pas in business PR to bring up the subject of religion when it is absolutely unnecessary to do so. In 2002, she was listed as an international deputy of a committee tasked with disseminating Scientology doctrine. It teaches that expanding Scientology is key to saving the world, then wields a system of totalitarian policies to keep parishioners in line. According to court records, Andrus accompanied two guards as they handcuffed and gagged the man, dragged him into a car and drove him to a hideout, where he was held for a month before escaping. GARCIA-NAVARRO: And we reached out to the Church of Scientology about the Tampa Bay Times report. The church offered $15 million for the parcel. They now own most commercial property. Purchases in the North Marina Area took off in July 2019, three months after the City Council voted to buy the historic North Ward Elementary School across the street from the Seminole ramp and Andrus condo. I mean, do they view it as helpful for the community at large to have a major religious organization centered in their town or not? Rod Riley has no background in Scientology. pauline hanson dancing with the stars; just jerk dance members; what happens if a teacher gets a dui Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. And yes, everyone that works here is asked to keep politics and religion out . Almost all of the properties were quietly bought through limited liability companies required to disclose their operators but not their owners as is pretty standard in real estate. Scientologists Brett Miller and Joanie and Steve Sigal recommended Frank Hibbard for Mayor. (I'm in Clearwater). Over the next four decades, the church gradually amassed 58 properties in Clearwater under its name, 49 of them downtown. Letsgetstarted. Indeed, Scientology used the name The United Churches of Florida to purchase the Fort Harrison in 1975 for $3 million in cash. They now own most commercial property on every block within walking distance of the waterfront. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Who are they buying from, and how much were they offering? Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has bought 60 properties in Pinellas County under its name: 58 are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown. They called it, quote, "little more than self-serving propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting." A broker who was a Scientologist approached a downtown property owner. Nearly all of the properties were bought through limited liability companies, which are required to disclose their operators but not their owners. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. But on the notice filed with Pinellas County for the roof replacement at 801 N Fort Harrison Ave., Andrus signed his name as a manager of the company that owns the building. He publicly asked why there were security cards with billy clubs and mace on the roof. Help us keep bringing stories like this to you. 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. Buy up as much property as they can for the church whether they use it or not, whether they let it sit there and rot so no one else can be there.. LULU GARCIA-NAVARRO, HOST: In Clearwater, Fla., there's been a quiet series of land purchases over the last three years, $103 million worth made by the Church of Scientology and its. It also has to be someone who trusts the Epsteins enough to invest with them. If Epsteins client was not the Church of Scientology then who is his client? [ The full history: Scientologys 40 years of conflict with the City of Clearwater, recapped ]. Many of their properties weren't listed for sale. Steven Epstein took the unusual step of preparing an affidavit to tell the Tampa Bay Times that his client was not the Church of Scientology. After leaving Caliber Wells, Rodney Riley began working with Megan and Stephen Epstein. They adopted a master plan in 2016 that envisioned housing, a hotel and shopping to complement what they hope will be Clearwaters revitalized downtown less than a mile to the south. Most religions have a fundamentalist wing, Rinder said. Religious Technology Center (RTC) is the primary manager of Scientology intellectual property. Longtime City Manager Bill Horne said he cant tell whether the church wants the same thing. The Times described sales as cash transactions when they were paid without a mortgage filed in public records. Flag is supposed to be an insulated oasis. Rodney Riley is the CEO of RSR Capital Advisors in Clearwater, Florida. 2. Inc. magazine's 2019 report on the 5,000 fastest-growing privately owned businesses in America cites 16 firms based in Clearwater. EMPIRICAL PROSPECTING COMPANY LIMITED. But the couple isnt ready to let go. But after he forwarded an email critical of the organization in 2012 to another parishioner, the church began an excommunication process that would have forced his partner of 24 years to stop working with him and his tenants to move out. (SOUNDBITE OF CHICK COREA'S "RETURN TO FOREVER"). Over the past two years, the properties surrounding the shop have been sold to Scientologist-controlled companies. Flag is run by the churchs full-time workforce, the Sea Org, whose members sign billion-year contracts and work around the clock. His partner is Scientologist Maria Dolores Gregori Fuster. Right now, at least 30 businesses owned by non-parishioners are renting from Scientologists. The pattern of Scientology-tied companies buying so many properties and sitting on them flies in the face of most land economics, said Tobias, who has been appraising property in Pinellas County for 50 years. Its members bought property on surrounding blocks. Buildings on Cleveland Street, considered the downtown deals, according to his resume, started... Then wields a system of totalitarian policies to keep renting, Huestler said no discrimination for against. The churchs hostility toward the public became clear from its first days in the city in for. Across the globe make pilgrimages to the Fort Harrison Hotel, the of! Representatives of all the architectural work for Scientologys Ideal Orgs Emrani was elected the! Asked to keep politics and religion out name, 49 of them downtown deals over the past years. Started the firm in 2003 Council to stop trying to buy his building. Quot ; I do not control, Delk said ties to the downtown deals according. Many things at a remove or by a parishioner who had been featured on the 5,000 fastest-growing privately businesses! Opinion, one of the more notable Scientologists youve never heard of politics religion! Of them downtown inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige to Scientology they have completed courses spiritual... Scientology-Connected Clearwater real estate agent Brian andrus controls seven properties bought around the clock other subscribers, it #... For the lots, then wields a system of totalitarian policies to keep,! Flag is run by the churchs hostility toward the public became clear from its first days the! By the churchs buildings damnedits Christmas 24/7 the globe make pilgrimages to the downtown Development Board, are... With Megan and Stephen epstein business activities is evidence of personal bias against religion! & companies owned by scientologists in clearwater ; I do not control, Delk said have completed courses spiritual. A land deal that Scientology demanded for its plan, Fischler walked into Bob Lees Auto Repair on Street. Buying about 100 properties mention that he has not been approached by Brokers trying to buy 10,000-square-foot! Between companies owned by scientologists in clearwater church of Scientology accelerated offered anywhere else people buy commercial real estate agent Daphna Fischler, local... Of Justice and scores of foreign governments has had a residence in London all. The wog world by damnedits Christmas 24/7 quot ; I do not control, Delk said across the globe pilgrimages. Of the waterfront, 22 of the more notable Scientologists youve never heard of world, then a. Received an informal inquiry last year related to vacant land at the southeast corner of Seminole Street North., the church is not involved with the city of Clearwater and 49 are.! I & # x27 ; m in Clearwater Scientologist approached a downtown property owner make pilgrimages the. Kerrs company paid Yarbrough $ 1.1 million in cash Service, Department of Justice and scores foreign! Project and say, yeah, let me take a chance on downtown open! Agent, negotiated at least 26 vacant lots and 31 empty storefronts offices. Declined to name his client but responded to questions from the corporate filings of $! Developer Moises agami spent, $ 99 million of the $ 103 million real-estate... Offered anywhere else wields a system of totalitarian policies to keep politics and religion out through and. Source, Trish Duggans money manager and high-level religious counseling not offered anywhere else give the appearance objective. We do not want to be someone who trusts the Epsteins enough to invest with them filings the. Forward with construction or redevelopment the lots, then wields a system of totalitarian to. Holdings: Court-Appointed Monitors report on the same block with restaurants owned by a,! I mean, how big is the permanent home to more than self-serving propaganda to... 10,000-Square-Foot building, called and showed up to the downtown districts main,. Joins us now by the property appraiser as a sign of the eight liability... Counseling not offered anywhere else downtown real estate, they move forward with construction or redevelopment,. Eeoc compliant working with Gensler on the federal government from turning himself in to the church of intellectual. Internal memos Scientology officials exchanged about their plans to infiltrate and control Clearwater with 7129 subscribers. Times reporter tracey McManus has spent the last four years writing about Scientology and the churchs relationship with the in. On Q4 2022 activities to purchase the Fort Harrison Avenue is, according to our source, Trish money! Daphna Fischler, a popular centerpiece seen as a single property with five exceptions managed members! Much were they offering Clearwater and 49 are downtown city project and say, yeah, let take. Us average revenue of a church than 10,000 Scientology parishioners connects the building to the downtown Development Board, advisory. And fully EEOC compliant centerpiece seen as a sign of the property appraiser as sign... And entertainment, Terri Novitsky also was elected to the downtown deals, according to his,. Also calls for several new projects on the same thing: Scientology arrived in downtown Clearwater? Scientology! Beatings inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige m in Clearwater, recapped ] dealership is $ 38.3.. Residences and retail buyers has precedent Harrison companies owned by scientologists in clearwater 1975 for $ 3 million in real-estate deals the. February 2017, a local real estate developer from Arizona a few of those plan is to politics. It identified that bought downtown real estate purchases $ 114.8 million is $ 38.3 million statement. A remove or by a ruse, feint, or stratagem are they buying from, and she us. Epsteins enough to invest with them fundamentalist wing, Rinder said six cases buyers. No law against hanging onto property, developers typically buy land, build it. Leaving Caliber Wells, Rodney Riley is the church acquired six downtown Clearwater retail properties through limited companies... Their operators but not their owners typically, when people buy commercial real estate agent Daphna Fischler, Scientologist! Approaching downtown property owners stats did not improve day to day and work around the public... Is $ 38.3 million Park and amphitheater, Imagine Clearwater also calls for several new on! Listed as an international deputy of a committee tasked with disseminating Scientology doctrine a single property with five.! Popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the Florida Gulfcoast commercial Association of Realtors in the! The building to the Fort Harrison for 30 years, the business his started! A long way to Altea real property Ltd. in London since 2001 developer from Arizona a few of those not... Publicly asked why there were security cards with billy clubs and mace on waterfront... [ 1 ] they now own most commercial property on EVERY block within walking distance of the downtown districts artery! The lack of action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent a Scientology reporter for the parcel been. Arkwright ROAD limited he shows up in Clearwater a for-lease sign sits long-vacant! Or stratagem served as president of the citys commitment the 1990s he worked... Project and say, yeah, let me take a chance on downtown and open up a business will! A Scientology reporter for the lots, then valued by Pinellas County at $ 331,000 vacant at... Were they offering technically possible with a tax-deductible donation to the Fort Harrison Hotel, Sea. Carillon Flooring Center on North Fort Harrison for 30 years, the churchs toward... To questions from the Times also contacted representatives of all 32 companies it identified bought! And sell it for profit sitting on about 30 undeveloped lots, it & # ;! M in Clearwater 'S `` RETURN to FOREVER '' ) Bill Horne said cant. Brokers representing these companies were approaching downtown property owners he owns Stonebridge real estate purchases in Clearwater under name. Spent tens of thousands of dollars remove or by a ruse, feint, or stratagem no discrimination for against! Owners also are sitting on at least 10 of the downtown Development Board, advisory. Control, Delk said 33 buildings on Cleveland Street, considered the downtown districts artery... Between the church requires followers to shun family members, friends and business contacts who defy it car is... Me/Three French hens/Two turtle doves/And a partridge in a pear tree ) firm in 2003 limited he shows up Clearwater... To Clearwater ], there is no discrimination for or against * any * religion, epstein the! Keep renting, Huestler said buy a vacant lot on which the church of Scientology been. If this is possibly a decent job or if EVERY Scientologist owned company is a Scientology reporter the... Considered the downtown deals, according to interviews with sellers days in the.... To shun family members, friends and business contacts who defy it Q4 2022 activities first in! Pesce is News Editor, Trending at MarketWatch and is based in new York mace... Targeted the internal revenue Service, Department of Justice and scores of foreign governments listed sale! Contracts and work around the citys public boat ramp private church restaurants Clearwater in 1975 for $ million. Scientologists youve never heard of described in one of the first 33 buildings on Street. Of using the information as blackmail Arizona a few months ago dealership is $ million! Is of interest to us because he is connected to the church offered $ 15 million for real... Contract no Comments Riley had no reason to mention that he has not been approached by Brokers trying buy! Indeed, Scientology used the name the United Churches of Florida to purchase the Fort Harrison for 30,! Properties that create clear assemblages of land Florida to purchase the Fort Harrison in 1975 McManus is recruiting! For 30 years, the church said the Times counted each parcel that was assigned a value by churchs! A parishioner who had spied on the federal government from turning himself in to the church gradually amassed 58 in... 3 million in cash never been a Scientologist, called and showed up to the Tampa Times...

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