Scientology DOES want to make Clearwater the first Scientology city

"The church has facilities all over the world. They seem to have a large presence in Clearwater, but Clearwater's a small town," [Scientology attorney Monique] Yingling said. "It has absolutely no interest in taking over the city."

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/church-scientology-accuses-florida-city-discrimination-over-land-battle-n767946


This  quote goes against a lot of other evidence, including this page from Scientology's own Source Magazine, issue 100;

An ex-scientologist discusses the latest news

oh... THAT David Miscavige!

Scientology takes it out on downtown Clearwater businesses

http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/scientologys-uniformed-sea-org-staff-clearly-absent-from-downtown/2322777

"Mayor George Cretekos said he is not aware of any city official asking church leaders to discontinue uniforms but said the impact the Sea Org's visual presence has on downtown's vibe has been discussed over the years.
Cretekos said visitors who are not familiar with the religious garb 'think it is a military presence' in Clearwater. He said it would be unfortunate if the church has instructed parishioners to avoid downtown to make a statement to city officials.
'This is not a good way of building bridges,' Cretekos said."

So Scientology is still very angry about not getting the piece of land they desperately needed for a swimming pool.  They'll probably be lashing out at the city for a while to come.

Doreen Caudell explains why she's voting to purchase

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/column-clearwater-should-buy-downtown-aquarium-property/2320741

"That, fundamentally, is the reason I declined the Church of Scientology's request for an individual private meeting. The development of their retail strategy included no opportunities for the public to express their desires for the plan. How can I support a plan which shunned public involvement? The people of the City of Clearwater elect me, and I intend to represent their concerns.
That is why we will vote Thursday to purchase the Clearwater Marine Aquarium parcel just south of City Hall. Imagine Clearwater, a prototypical example of the community based development approach, encourages City Council to facilitate energy and activation along Osceola Avenue."

Clearwater council votes 5-0 to purchase aquarium property

http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/live-clearwater-city-council-set-to-vote-on-land-coveted-by-the-church-of/2321083

"CLEARWATER — The City Council on Thursday voted unanimously to buy a vacant but high-profile downtown lot from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, intercepting a crucial piece of land the Church of Scientology said it needed for its campus.

A packed auditorium at City Hall greeted the 5-0 decision with applause.
Scientology leader David Miscavige had offered to bankroll a multi-million dollar revitalization of downtown if the city stepped aside and allowed the church to buy the lot, which borders its 13-story Oak Cove religious retreat. He pitched the idea last week to a select group of downtown stakeholders with help from Scientology celebrities like John Travolta, and was willing to pay more than three times what the city was offering."

This is a wise move by the city.  I hope it is the beginning of the city standing up to Scientology's attempts to gradually take over the community.  

Ratcheting up the pressure before the big vote

http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/scientologists-and-others-step-up-the-pressure-as-clearwater-nears-vote-on/2320632

"CLEARWATER — The $19 million Skyview condo being built downtown with a penthouse for actor Tom Cruise could be the last investment developer Cleman Agami ever makes in the city.

That will be one of the consequences if the City Council votes Thursday to buy a 1.4 acre vacant lot the Church of Scientology also is lobbying to purchase, Agami warned in an email to City Council member Bill Jonson.
By buying the Pierce Street property, the city would be sabotaging' over $60 million in hard cash investments' from the church, Agami, a Scientologist, wrote, referring to a proposal by church leader David Miscavige to bankroll a retail and entertainment overhaul in downtown, provided he gets control of the waterfront parcel."

Even if the city bends to Scientology's will, it will most likely take 20 years to finish downtown redevelopment, if Scientology goes by their usual snail pace.  Consider that it took 13 years to build their own Super Power building in Clearwater.

A current example of how slowly Scientology does construction projects

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/property/work-begun-church-scientology-headquarters-12885970

"Building work has begun to turn a historic building in Moseley into the main Church of Scientology in Birmingham.
In 2007, Pitmaston House was bought by the Church for £4,200,000.
Ten years later, renovations have finally begun to transform the property into a place of worship for the often controversial religion.
Graeme Wilson, the Church of Scientology’s UK-based public affairs director, commented that 'We are indeed very pleased to announce that are now moving forward with the construction of our new Church of Scientology in Birmingham.
'This is a major step forward and our intention is to complete this new Church of Scientology in the coming year.'“

This is typical of Scientology construction; long delays in starting, long delays in finishing.  Just remember Clearwater's own Super Power Building took 13 years to complete.  So how long would it take them to renovate downtown Clearwater?  What would happen if it took 20 years?

The economic impact of Scientology on Clearwater

http://tonyortega.org/2017/04/15/scientology-is-no-1-with-no-2-or-how-the-church-of-david-miscavige-stinks-up-clearwater/

"One of the ways that Scientology tries to sway locals (and it appears to be working, judging by our conversation with one local business owner, Leif Oskarsson), is by claiming that, against all visual evidence to the contrary, the church is actually a boon to the local economy and the tax-exempt organization still somehow pays more property taxes than anyone.
Well, we’re not so sure about that. We had a look at the city of Clearwater’s latest financial report, for the year 2014-2015, and it lists the top ten property tax payers in town. Here they are:"

* * *

There is a large percentage of Scientology property that is tax exempt for religious reasons.  Also, Scientology has its own hotels, restaurants, and things to occupy it's "parishioners."  There is little reason for Scientologists visiting Clearwater to ever step into a non-Scientologist business.

Miscavige pushes downtown idea on businesses

http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/scientology-leader-david-miscavige-presents-clearwater-retail-plan-to/2320033

"Once they were seated in the adjoining ballroom in assigned chairs, Scientology leader David Miscavige stood before them pitching his vision for downtown with graphic renderings, a video and a nearly two-hour speech. He described the Church of Scientology's plan to revitalize downtown by paying for a total renovation of Cleveland Street's facade and using heavy-hitting consultants to recruit high-end retailers and businesses to fill vacant storefronts.
Miscavige didn't come out and say it, but according to guests, he made it clear there was a catch: The fate of this proposal hinges on the church's ability to buy a 1.4-acre vacant property the city is poised to purchase next week."

Remember how long it took to build Scientology's Super Power building in Clearwater?  13 years.  Consider any of Scientology's "Ideal org" projects around that world and how long it takes them to complete any such project. 

How long do you think it would take to rebuild downtown Clearwater?  And how do you put Scientology's feet to the fire to keep the project on track?  This is the biggest question that must be answered if Clearwater decided to let Scientology take over downtown.

Scientology REALLY, REALLY wants that piece of land

http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/church-of-scientology-ups-bid-for-clearwater-marine-aquarium-land-to-15/2319396

"CLEARWATER —The Church of Scientology has offered the Clearwater Marine Aquarium nearly four times what the city is scheduled to vote on paying later this month for a vacant downtown property.

The church offered the aquarium $15 million for the 1.4 acre lot, Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw confirmed, far exceeding the $4.25 million deal the city will decide on closing April 20.
It is the second time in three weeks Scientology leader David Miscavige has tried to outbid the city — aquarium officials passed on a $12.5 million offer the church made March 11, opting not to sell before the city has a chance to vote.
Aquarium CEO David Yates said Thursday the nonprofit is committed to selling to the city, and no outside offer, no matter the amount, has changed that."

So you think Scientology really wants that property?  I wonder why it's so important to them?  So they can make it useful for all citizens of Clearwater?  No, I didn't think so either.

A review of Scientology policy to take over

http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/in-downtown-clearwater-scientologys-bid-for-an-expanded-role-is-a-matter/2318663

"But the meaning of that and similar passages is just what it sounds like, said Mike Rinder, who spent 25 years as a senior Scientology executive before defecting in 2007. Once the church's international spokesman, Rinder said Scientology leader David Miscavige's retail plan for downtown is an embodiment and fulfillment of its preachings 'to take over governments.'
'Really it's not specifically Clearwater,' he said. 'Scientology believes that they are going to take over the world. This means bringing everybody into compliance with the goals and objectives of Scientology.'
With the church's international spiritual headquarters located downtown at the 300,000 square foot Flag Building, Rinder said insulating that footprint is a priority for church leaders.
If Miscavige succeeds and recruits retail to the struggling downtown, Rinder said he will instruct local and visiting Scientologists to frequent the shops. That, he said, would create a 'perimeter of safety' around the Flag headquarters and the Fort Harrison Hotel, so parishioners can take courses and buy church counseling sessions and not have to cross paths with outsiders."

This is a great review of  Scientology "scripture" that tells to take over the surrounding environment, including governments.  This especially targets Clearwater.

Scientology offers more for aquarium land

http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/scientology-leader-david-miscavige-ups-offer-for-aquarium-property-before/2318489

"The church has upped its standing offer for the property and threw in a 'sizable donation' to sweeten the deal, spokesman Ben Shaw confirmed Wednesday. He declined to disclose the church's new offer but said in a statement that it 'far exceeds what the city can pay.'
The City Council is scheduled to vote on its $4.25 million deal April 20.
Shaw called the new bid a win for all: The aquarium would receive a substantial amount for its property and the donation; the city would not have to expend taxpayer dollars; and the church would be able to build a swimming pool and amenities for its members at the adjacent Oak Cove religious retreat."

Boy they really want that property.  Not for the good of the city, but so they can privatize even more of downtown.

A Clearwater resident gives his views on Scientology's plans

Tampa Bay News; Clearwater leaders should stop kowtowing to Scientology

"One by one, Mayor George Cretekos and other City Council members trooped to Scientology's Fort Harrison Hotel to privately meet with Miscavige and hear his pitch. They circumvented public meetings requirements by meeting one at a time, and only City Council member Doreen Caudell had the good sense to reconsider and decline the invitation. Some who did go, including Cretekos and City Council member Hoyt Hamilton, went out of their way to be nice after their audiences with Miscavige and his consultants. Either Miscavige has had an epiphany, or city officials have decided to overlook Scientology's four decades of deceit and disingenuous dealings and are preparing to surrender.
All Clearwater residents know is what city officials recounted after their meetings. The Tampa Bay Times' Tracey McManus reported Scientology is focused on recruiting businesses to Cleveland Street rather than controlling every downtown block they don't already own. Miscavige suggested Scientology might pay for all of the facade redesign along Cleveland Street. And there apparently were some lovely renderings and video simulations.
Yet the public remains in the dark, and its elected officials should not be fooled by a slick sales pitch and Miscavige's new eagerness to collaborate. Remember Scientology bought more than $26 million in downtown properties earlier this year after Community Redevelopment Agency director Seth Taylor says he was assured by Miscavige in October that the church's plan did not include buying more property. Remember Scientology already has accumulated more than $260 million in real estate and is downtown's largest property owner. Remember Scientology already controls at least half of some 40 storefronts along a key stretch of Cleveland Street either directly or through its parishioners and Scientology-owned businesses that rent space. And remember what Miscavige really wants."

I just don't understand why the city representatives pretend like they are dealing with any other economically powerful entity. THIS entity has since 1975 had the stated goal of taking over Clearwater.  THIS entity has used nefarious and illegals methods to accomplish that goal.  Why pretend that is not a part of Clearwater history?  What advantage can be gained for the city by doing that?

Article; the history of Scientology in Clearwater

http://www.fsunews.com/story/life/2017/03/19/history-scientology-clearwater-florida/99381438/

"Four decades ago, the Church of Scientology began planning to take over the city of Clearwater, Florida by infiltrating local government and other influential non-government entities in the city. Now it appears that the Church’s plan has come to fruition. With control over more than a quarter billion dollars of real estate in the downtown area, Scientology has the largest influence on city officials in regards to development. Scientology’s presence has for decades casted a shadow over Clearwater, and has led to the city being known for its geographic concentration of Scientology rather than its miles of pristine beaches. This article is intended to summarize the sordid history of the relationship between the city of Clearwater and the Church of Scientology."

Nice summary.

Religious organizations allowed to own commercial businesses

http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/scientology-retail-plan-is-rare-as-few-churches-back-non-religious/2317024

"The largest-scale retail development known to be backed by a religious organization in the U.S. is the City Creek Center built in downtown Salt Lake City in 2012.
The development of 104 stores, seven restaurants and 536 condos and apartments was financed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The development is owned by the church's for-profit real estate arm, City Creek Reserve, and managed by Taubman Inc., so there is no ecclesiastical oversight...

The project is credited with turning around the struggling downtown that was reeling from the recession and lingering disruption from a massive 2002 freeway construction project.
Its opening in 2012 prompted about $3 billion in additional private development in the city, according to Salt Lake Chamber CEO Lane Beattie."

Clearwater and Salt Lake City are much different from each other.  The question for Clearwater is, what is Scientology trying to get out of their new proposals?  Is it what's good for the city, or what's good for Scientology?  This should be the point of research.

City Council defends their meetings with Scientology, ignores the elephant in the room

This is all well and good, and yes freedom of religion is important.  But the council seems quite deliberately to be ignoring the fact that since 1975 Scientology has wanted to and even tried to take over Clearwater.  Mark Bunker even spoke at this meeting and brought that up clearly.  Why are they ignoring this important point?  Surely they must know at least some of the history of Clearwater - Scientology relations?  That they tried to smear a former Clearwater mayor as a bigamist, and set up a fake hit-and-run to get him in trouble?  That a Scientology magazine says precisely that their goal is to "make Clearwater the first Scientology city"?  So why this deliberate blindness on the part of this council?

Scientologyville, otherwise known as Clearwater

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/economicdevelopment/trigaux-from-infrastructure-to-scientologyville-four-issues-that-are-now/2316893

"This is just the beginning. Clearwater was long shunned by expanding businesses and other because of the overwhelming presence of Scientology. Now it may win too much attention as the city that couldn't, the downtown that failed to hold its own. Is downtown Clearwater about to become the Scientology version of Vatican City?
Heads up, Tampa Bay. The broader region may not remain immune to the radical rebranding of one of the three cities that make up the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area. Businesses, millennials, retirees, tourists: They will all take notice. Some, perhaps many, will ponder alternative destinations."

Doesn't anybody in Clearwater remember Scientology's Super Power building?  Construction began in 1998.  It was opened in 2013.  So how long do you think construction on Scientology's grand economic zone will take?

Even bricks are controversial in Clearwater; 2000 article

http://www.skeptictank.org/gen3/gen01939.htm

"A secret committee of the Citizens for a Better Clearwater rejected the McPherson brick along with two other bricks ordered by members of a Scientology watchdog group called the Lisa McPherson Trust. Suddenly, whether you could buy a brick depended on who you were, what you had to say and why you were buying it."


 Clearwater was raising funds for a tiny alley park downtown by selling bricks that you could put a message on.  I chose "remember Lisa McPherson" and the committee (perhaps with ties to Scientology?) rejected my brick. After a little cajoling, the brick was accepted. It was placed below a bench where someone sitting there might put their feet.  After a while it looked like this;

Another kerfuffle ensued, and finally the brick was replaced, much closer to the city sidewalk so it would be harder to deface without someone noticing.  This brick was the only one defaced, and in fact the company that makes these told me this is the first time they know of where a brick was intentionally defaced.

Hopefully the brick is ok now.  You can read about Lisa McPherson here.