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. Scientologist normally dont deal with outsiders in my experience. In those cases, four or more parcels purchased together clearly comprised a single piece of real estate. 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. The property wasnt on the market. (Everything owned by parishioner-run companies is still on the tax rolls. They called it, quote, "little more than self-serving propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting." GARCIA-NAVARRO: That's Tracey McManus, who reports on Scientology for the Tampa Bay Times, talking about the church's increased real estate footprint in Clearwater, Fla. In San Diego, Taylor Guitars and Deering Banjo Company. In 2017 the church acquired six downtown Clearwater retail properties through limited liability companies. But in the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. The family of Moises Agami, a developer whose companies bought 20 storefronts and a parking lot last year, has donated at least $10 million. Seventy-one percent of the 60 parcels the Church of Scientology owns under its name in Pinellas County are tax-exempt for religious purposes. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. 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. Amazing Place to Work. We believe it's important to shed light on a powerful institution that's very controversial and plays a big role in our community. The greatest number of properties were bought by companies controlled by either Israeli businessman Itzhak Zano or another Scientologist who represents him. We built a graphic demonstrating just how little is left. MCMANUS: It kind of started in early 2017. I believe its irrational to buy property and not fully utilize it.. Additional Clearwater real estate purchases began in 2019. Hes starting to assemble properties, Allbritton said. Originally founded in 1955, we are the oldest Scientology Church in Australia. It teaches that expanding Scientology is key to saving the world, then wields a system of totalitarian policies to keep parishioners in line. Fischler approached Bosi again in September. Now, 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. (On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Times reported that since 2017, companies run by members of Scientology bought another 86 downtown commercial properties. In Mesa, its the Mormon Church that dominates the area and I was able to work in that environment. Rodney Riley is the CEO of RSR Capital Advisors in Clearwater, Florida. His job appears to be one of a PR guy who can appeal to Clearwater City Government. 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. The Imagine Clearwater project aims to transform the city-owned waterfront into a vibrant park with gardens, a concert green, a walkway with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and mixed-use projects. Based upon on our new hypothesis that Trish Duggan may be the financier of the land purchases, the logic of bringing in non-Scientologist Rod Riley to act as the frontman makes sense as it can serve to counter any accusation that Scientology is taking over Clearwater. It bought a hotel and wrote plans to take control of the city. City Council member Mark Bunker said although the church is not the official buyer of the downtown and North Marina properties, there is reason to believe Scientology leader David Miscavige is orchestrating the parishioner-operated companies making the acquisitions. Graphics by ELI MURRAY Businesses without ties to the church are moving into a few of those. 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 total of all Scientology-connected Clearwater real estate purchases $114.8 million. 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 INVESTMENT ADVISORS LIMITED It said information in parishioner folders is sacrosanct and claims of blackmail have long since been disproven.. They paid $26 million. And our analysis found that these church officials were offering two, three, four times what the property appraiser said the properties were valued. Gensler does all the architectural work for Scientologys Ideal Orgs. Business Outlook. This is a story for another time. The church requires followers to shun family members, friends and business contacts who defy it. Scientologys extraordinary influence over its members has been documented in government investigations and testimony from former parishioners throughout its 65-year history. Letsgetstarted. Times reporters built a database of hundreds of properties in the center of Clearwaters downtown. But the promised downtown revival never came. But companies controlled by different parishioners bought neighboring properties that create clear assemblages of land. synergy rv transport pay rate; stephen randolph todd. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Just out of curiosity, when you say the tactics that they used in the '70s, what were those? More interesting is that the 15 parcels of land Riley plans acquire in Clearwater are owned by Scientologists. Some of the parishioners have a history of working on Scientologys behalf. He has also lived in Hong Kong and South Korea. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Explain to me why the paper has a Scientology reporter. I think it throws a stake in it when one party owns 50 percent or so. "I do not want to be associated . She reported full-time for six months, interviewing more than 90 people and reviewing more than 1,000 documents, to bring you this story. The Church of Scientology and its parishioners now own a lot of real estate in Clearwater, Fla., as reported by the Tampa Bay Times. Scientologists annually contribute $87,867,000 to charitable endeavors, money that uplifts the quality of life in Clearwater. Former parishioners say the church has a history of interfering in Scientologists downtown business. Even city leaders said they didnt know the full extent of the purchases until they were shown maps created by the Times. Florida executes Donald Dillbeck for 1990 Tallahassee murder, Held without charge, a Miami inmates unborn child asks court for release in odd case, One step led Tampa runner, Gasparilla entrant to big weight loss, huge life gains, Hillsborough must right-size its school system | Editorial, companies tied to Scientology bought 100 properties, Winter the dolphin died of twisted intestines, necropsy report confirms. 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. A broker is trying to buy the building Peter and Emily Lares have owned for decades. 9,523 Scientologists live in the Tampa Bay area. If the council in 2020 isnt on board with doing something his way, hes going to do it himself.. But that is where it ends. This purchase was part of Project Normandy, a covert Scientology program to take over Clearwater. 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 . CEO Approval. 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. The city has no record yet of redevelopment plans being submitted for any of the North Marina properties since the purchases began, according to planning and development director Gina Clayton. Disloyalty has life-changing consequences. The Times also contacted representatives of all 32 companies it identified that bought downtown real estate over the past three years. Rod Riley has no background in Scientology. The Church was unaware of the land purchases? Argall left the church and was forced to abandon his business of more than 20 years. Flag is supposed to be an insulated oasis. He wanted the council to stop trying to buy a vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. Bosi wasnt interested. Some landlords tied to Scientology have helped bring life to portions of downtown. Theyve got one intention, and one intention only, De Vocht said. Limited liability companies managed by Hayes, the attorney whos done work on behalf of the church, bought almost the entire square block directly east of the North Ward school. What Clearwaters City Council thinks, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, See a slideshow of all the churchs buildings. Clearwater 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. . Many of their properties weren't listed for sale. During that period, downtown purchases by limited liability companies managed by members of Scientology accelerated. GARCIA-NAVARRO: What is the view of the local community? DEUTERIUM ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED 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. Xenu Who? 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. Clarification made on CBRE and thank you for pointing that out. Visitors walk through downtown on a Friday. Looking at the Times map of the new ownership, City Council member David Allbritton recalled a moment from 2017 that now seems telling. Write by: . But even when the church isnt in control, its presence can deter development. The city, meanwhile, moved ahead on its now-$84 million Imagine Clearwater project, a plan to transform the city-owned downtown waterfront with an outdoor amphitheater, a garden, bluff walk and plaza. In response, the Tampa Bay Times received a letter signed by Scientology attorney Gary Soter that read: There is nothing unnatural about Scientologists wanting to live in the same city that houses the international spiritual headquarters of their church. Agami also signed two more leases on the same block with restaurants owned by people not connected to the church. All rights reserved. Take away the church footprint, a few condo towers and all buildings owned by the government. We previously reported on CA South Development. Made an offer. Most of the new owners have done little with their acquisitions. Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said the citys priority is turning the spectacular land it owns into a community destination, no matter who owns the private property around it. Nicole Lyn Pesce is News Editor, Trending at MarketWatch and is based in New York. This is the Church of Hyper-Surveillance that knows everything about the private and business lives of its members; their social media activities; and even what they did in their past lives. My plan is to keep renting, Huestler said. Gentile also purchased several Clearwater companies owned by Scientologists who may have invested the proceeds into land deals. And it's all surrounding the city's downtown waterfront. 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. [1] 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. Flag is what they call it, and it's the international spiritual headquarters of the church. He called the Tampa Bay Times questions about parishioners activity not just stupid, false and offensive, but un-American., You talk out of both sides of your mouth: If redevelopment is being done by the city or a member of another religion, not Scientology, it is good; if redevelopment is being done by a Scientologist, it is bad, Shaw said. It was owned by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. 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. Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has purchased 60 properties in Pinellas County under its name. The lack of action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent. 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. They now own most commercial property. Recommend. Inc. magazine's 2019 report on the 5,000 fastest-growing privately owned businesses in America cites 16 firms based in Clearwater. Church officials used a straw corporation to buy the historic Fort Harrison Hotel and moved in under a fake name. The Church of Scientology acquired the building in 2017 as part of its downtown redevelopment plan. Copyright 2019 NPR. And it's also basically the financial nucleus of the entire organization. Dozens of residents showed up to speak. It also has to be someone who trusts the Epsteins enough to invest with them. Do you own your house? GARCIA-NAVARRO: And I guess the larger concern is that this could really thwart the city's plans for redevelopment if the Scientologist organizations are going to have all this property that they're going to keep for their own purposes. Internal church documents detailed missions that planted spies in the state attorneys office, the Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Sun newspaper. 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 Since July 2019, eight limited liability companies managed or operatedby members of the church have bought 45 properties in North Marina, including Chesneys. 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. They haven't submitted redevelopment plans. I had to make a decision, Bosi said. MCMANUS: Yeah, I think that the key here is the uncertainty. 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. Clearwater is the center of that revenue stream. ARKWRIGHT ROAD LIMITED Then the council interfered with a land deal that Scientology demanded for its plan. There is nothing unnatural about Scientologists wanting to live in the same city that houses the international spiritual headquarters of their church, said a letter signed by Scientology attorney Gary Soter. 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. It would be the same if I was a (proud) Christian, Jew, or Muslim. A sign in front of the business says, "Notice: This is one of the only spas in downtown Clearwater not owned by a Scientologist .". If so, it's technically possible with a home IPO. Shahab and Catherine Emrani who manage companies that purchased four commercial buildings, retail space in a condo and vacant land have given at least $1.75 million to the church. Fischler offered Bosi $1.4 million, almost three times what the property was valued. Both are supposed to open soon. Its important for me to communicate with the Scientologists in Clearwater and have that ability to work side-by-side, Riley said, also noting he is now based in Clearwater. Almost immediately, a decades-long trickle of purchases by church members turned into a flood. It has terrorized defectors with private investigators, smear campaigns and relentless litigation. And he was going to build an entertainment complex with Tom Cruise. Once we dug into the data and pulled records, we found that LLCs tied to the Church of Scientology had bought about 100 properties. The church acquired three others in a land swap. If Epsteins client was not the Church of Scientology then who is his client? Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? The Times report describes spaces such as a former jewelry store, an empty Walgreens and a deserted laundromat sitting empty and unused. Religious Technology Center (RTC) is the primary manager of Scientology intellectual property. #4 Best Company In Clearwater Company Description: Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Clearwater, Fla., Senior Home Care is a privately held company operating nearly 50 branch locations with 1,800 employees through its Senior Home Care offices in Florida and Synergy Home Care offices in Louisiana. It is headed by David Miscavige [1] . 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. 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. Cazares responds with an $8 million libel suit. Project Normandy was described in one of hundreds of internal memos Scientology officials exchanged about their plans to infiltrate and control Clearwater. Brian Andrus controls companies that last year bought a marina on N Osceola Avenue and six nearby properties, all bordering a redevelopment project at the citys public boat ramp. However, this tactic can backfire when it comes across as answering a question no one has asked. The city wants to turn downtown into a regional destination for food, drink and entertainment. 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. 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. Andrus did not respond to a phone message or email inquiring if he was involved in the 45 purchases in the blocks surrounding his condo project. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., [ More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover ]. Right now, at least 30 businesses owned by non-parishioners are renting from Scientologists. No one from the church dictates to me what to buy, what to sell, what to do.. Reporters analyzed thousands of rows of data and pulled more than 1,000 records from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser, the Pinellas County Clerk of Court and the Florida Division of Corporations. In addition to a park and amphitheater, Imagine Clearwater also calls for several new projects on the waterfront with residences and retail. That company has had no connection to Coldwell Banker for decades. There are 22 Church of Scientology facilities in downtown Clearwater. They haven't started construction - or are they going to redevelop them and bring businesses in and contribute to a vibrant downtown? In an interview with Scientology-owned "Freedom Magazine" Gendusa said that she moved to Clearwater to study Scientology more than 25 years ago. But far more non-Scientologists are moving out. Scientologists deal with useful non-Scientologists quite often. Seventy-three percent of the property is tax-exempt for religious purposes. 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. In 2002, she was listed as an international deputy of a committee tasked with disseminating Scientology doctrine. It is a big faux pas in business PR to bring up the subject of religion when it is absolutely unnecessary to do so. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Investigative Fund. EMPIRICAL PROSPECTING COMPANY LIMITED. But Scientologist-controlled companies are also sitting on at least 26 vacant lots and 31 empty storefronts and offices. 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. Weve spent a lot of happy years here, Lares said. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. 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. Ive been waiting for this neighborhood to clean up for 30 years, and I still think its around the corner, Rice said. In the world of poker this is called a tell. MCMANUS: Yeah, that's a good question. When the council voted to buy the property, the chamber erupted in applause. The Church takes seriously its responsibility and interest in the future of the area. Brokers who are Scientologists approached at least 15 downtown owners about unlisted properties. We will continue research on our new Trish Duggan theory. Howd that go? This means the total revenue of the "300" scientology businesses that are owned by the 9700 local scientologists is equivalent to 7.5 average car dealers. After his stint at CBRE, Riley worked for Caliber Wells in Scottsdale, Arizona and then left the firm. And he was going to recruit high-end retail to some of the empty storefronts because downtown Clearwater's pretty depressed. 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. Suspicion swirled. Defectors have said they were paid less than $50 a week. 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. This gallery shows all 60 properties Scientology owns under its name in Pinellas county and the six retail properties the church acquired through limited liability companies in 2017. Most did not respond or declined to comment. Everyone in KnowBe4 knows I'm a (proud) Scientologist. In summer 2018, Fischler walked into Bob Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to make owner Dennis Bosi an offer. Holding and president of Graymoss, Inc. [27] The architectural firm HOK was hired to deliver the project. He is linked to the Church of Scientology via the Epsteins and Trish Duggan. Spa not owned by a Scientologist. I dont mix my personal business with other areas in my life, said Terri Novitsky, a Scientologist who manages a company that bought two office buildings on Chestnut Street in 2017. No one from the church dictates to me what to buy, what to sell, what to do., From the archives (May 2019):A supposed Scientology cruise ship is quarantined in St. Lucia over measles. 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 parishioners - a doubling of the church's footprint near its international headquarters. Hes encouraged by city investments in the boat ramp and North Ward Elementary, and holds out hope that the undeveloped lots and dilapidated homes will be replaced with something vibrant. A buyer, whose identity Chesney never learned, agreed to his asking price without countering $1 million cash for the adjoining parcels, which was four times the value set by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser. At first, I just wanted to make a short video about the buildings and programs they are doing in clearwater. A few weeks later, John Yarbrough sold the building where he had run his electrical services business for 22 years. Wayne E. Lee ran his Auto Parts Distributors business on Park Street since 1982. The Church of Scientology has done many things at a remove or by a ruse, feint, or stratagem. This purchase was part of project Normandy was described in one of hundreds of properties in Pinellas County under name! Of started in early 2017 Chamber erupted in applause Joanie and Steve recommended... Drink and entertainment renting from Scientologists possible with a land swap Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to owner. 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