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Its too soon to say how the shift in ownership will affect downtown. Some landlords tied to Scientology have helped bring life to portions of downtown. Of the $103 million spent, $99 million was paid in cash. When asked by the Tampa Bay Times about the 2017-2018 land purchases totaling $103 million made by Scientologists, Church attorney Gary Soter wrote a letter in which he stated: The Church was unaware of the significant number of properties owned by Scientologists in the Clearwater area and are delighted you provided the information, the letter continued. Scientologists Brett Miller and Joanie and Steve Sigal recommended Frank Hibbard for Mayor. 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 downtown and North Marina properties bought by limited liability companies managed or operated by members of Scientology remain on the tax rolls. But in the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. Nearly two years after the properties were sold to a company run by two Scientologists, no redevelopment plans have been submitted. Tampa Bay Times reporter Tracey McManus has spent the last four years writing about Scientology and the churchs relationship with the city of Clearwater. Flag is supposed to be an insulated oasis. 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. Andrus helped carry out a plan to stop a Scientologist who had spied on the federal government from turning himself in to the FBI. After negotiations, Kerrs company paid Yarbrough $1.1 million in cash for the lots, then valued by Pinellas County at $331,000. They now own most commercial property. I think it's comparable to say it's kind of, like, if there were to be a Vatican reporter in Vatican City. 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. Indeed, Scientology used the name The United Churches of Florida to purchase the Fort Harrison in 1975 for $3 million in cash. This is a story for another time. 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. The logical conclusion is Scientology must have some sort of a game plan in mind, but theyre not public with what it is, City Council member Hoyt Hamilton said as he looked at a map of downtowns new ownership. Columnist Stephanie Hayes will share thoughts, feelings and funny business with you every Monday. The Scientology leader had offered the Clearwater Marine Aquarium $15 million for that 1.4-acre grass lot on Pierce Street. One of the factors they do control is the waterfront land that's protected by city charter, that they are in the middle of a $64 million plan right now to redesign and develop into a park with gardens and a concert venue. Those six lots were bought in November 2020 by a limited liability company then-managed by an employee of CA South, a Nashville-based real estate firm founded by Megan Epstein and advised by her husband, Stephen Epstein, both members of Scientology. The total of all Scientology-connected Clearwater real estate purchases $114.8 million. MCMANUS: Well, our reporting shows that Scientology has a big interest in preserving its downtown campus. But the promised downtown revival never came. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Real estate agent Daphna Fischler, a Scientologist, called and showed up to the shop a handful of times in mid-2018. In the world of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the wog world by damnedits Christmas 24/7. 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. Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw said in a statement that the church is not involved with the acquisitions. Both the Church of Scientology and GPB Capital denied it. Originally founded in 1955, we are the oldest Scientology Church in Australia. Once we dug into the data and pulled records, we found that LLCs tied to the Church of Scientology had bought about 100 properties. During spiritual counseling, parishioners are interrogated about their deepest secrets, which are recorded in folders and stored indefinitely. 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. Letsgetstarted. The Church was unaware of the land purchases? Weve spent a lot of happy years here, Lares said. The hotel has 11 stories and features 220 rooms, three restaurants, a swimming pool and a . But they werent ready to sell the building, which they had owned for 27 years. We are an equal opportunity employer and fully EEOC compliant. 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. The 1.4 acre lot was across the street from City Hall and adjacent to a 13-story Scientology religious retreat. Church of Scientology website It is with great pride we welcome you to the Church of Scientology of Melbourne. Epstein declined to name his client but responded to questions from the Timeswith an affidavit declaring it was not the Church of Scientology. The lack of action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent. Paid in cash. And the mayor at the time, Gabe Cazares, really raised the alarm. He wanted the council to stop trying to buy a vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. 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. Eventually, open tensions faded. However, this tactic can backfire when it comes across as answering a question no one has asked. Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has purchased 60 properties in Pinellas County under its name. 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. The church offered $15 million for the parcel. Fifty-eight are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown.. A broker who was a Scientologist approached a downtown property owner. Take away the church footprint, a few condo towers and all buildings owned by the government. I had to make a decision, Bosi said. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., [ More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover ]. MCMANUS: Yeah, I think that the key here is the uncertainty. 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. Inc. magazine's 2019 report on the 5,000 fastest-growing privately owned businesses in America cites 16 firms based in Clearwater. 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. Hibbard previously served as Mayor from 2005 until 2012, leaving office because of term limits. None of the other parishioners whose companies bought property since 2017 responded to questions about their plans. It would be the same if I was a (proud) Christian, Jew, or Muslim. Construction on eight townhomes on the south end of the marina began Oct. 1, according to county records. 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. I just was curious if this is possibly a decent job or if EVERY scientologist owned company is a recruiting scam. These workers sign billion year contracts, are paid very little, work around the clock. According to his resume, he started the firm in 2003. And Scientology has an interest in keeping that insulated according to former executives that we've interviewed. 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. 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. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Just out of curiosity, when you say the tactics that they used in the '70s, what were those? 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/ Flag is run by the churchs full-time workforce, the Sea Org, whose members sign billion-year contracts and work around the clock. The origin story for the CB in CBRE does come from Coldwell Banker, but that was a very long time ago. . Made an offer. Scientologys international spiritual headquarters is anchored by the Flag Building, on left. And he was going to recruit high-end retail to some of the empty storefronts because downtown Clearwater's pretty depressed. The city wants to turn downtown into a regional destination for food, drink and entertainment. . We reported at that time that a handful of limited liability companies bought about six downtown properties, and Scientology leader David Miscavige had presented a retail plan to two city staff officials. 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. After his stint at CBRE, Riley worked for Caliber Wells in Scottsdale, Arizona and then left the firm. 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. Cons. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., But Tal Ezra, a Scientologist who recently bought four parcels of land in downtown Clearwater, told the Times that he has plans for an office space and a retail shop. We don't know what they're planning to do with the properties. He publicly asked why there were security cards with billy clubs and mace on the roof. MCMANUS: Scientology arrived in downtown Clearwater in 1975. An empty Walgreens. They were very secretive, he said. Four high-ranking defectors describe bizarre behavior and physical beatings inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige. (I'm in Clearwater). The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. After the Times reported the purchases, Miscavige met with city officials and acknowledged the church acquired them as part of his plan to spend $55 million renovating downtown buildings and recruiting high-end retail to empty store fronts. In 2017 the church acquired six downtown Clearwater retail properties through limited liability companies. Seventy-three percent of the property is tax-exempt for religious purposes. He has also lived in Hong Kong and South Korea. The other side of that is flag is run by the Sea Org, the Scientology's full-time workforce. David Gentile is creative with money and had hundreds of bank accounts and sub-funds when he ran GPB Capital. It also has to be someone who trusts the Epsteins enough to invest with them. But even when the church isnt in control, its presence can deter development. Gentile also purchased several Clearwater companies owned by Scientologists who may have invested the proceeds into land deals. We don't know if they're just going to continue to squat on them - because they haven't done anything yet. Brokers who are Scientologists approached at least 15 downtown owners about unlisted properties. The most recent deal came when a New York firm bought a former demolition yard on Nicholson Street for $593,400 on Oct. 20 and then flipped it two days later for $1 million in cash to one of the Scientology-tied limited liability companies, according to property records. Welcome. EMPIRICAL PROSPECTING COMPANY LIMITED. Getty. And it's all surrounding the city's downtown waterfront. I would ask that you clarify the reference to CBRE. ARKWRIGHT ROAD LIMITED Reached at their condo, his wife declined to comment. Good luck on that. I saw a business opportunity, he said. 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. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Investigative Fund. Seven businesses have left following recent purchases, and at least three more are leaving this year, including Clearwater Plumbing and Gulf Coast Marine. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. He told Fischler that before Scientology bought the Fort Harrison Hotel in 1975 he worked there as a busboy. Scientology has said it has 10 million followers, but surveys and accounts from former members suggest there are no more than 30,000 worldwide. In San Diego, Taylor Guitars and Deering Banjo Company. 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. Project Normandy was described in one of hundreds of internal memos Scientology officials exchanged about their plans to infiltrate and control Clearwater. 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. 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. There is no discrimination for or against *any* religion. He is not listed on the corporate filings for any of the eight limited liability companies that recently bought the North Marina properties. Through a spokesperson, Epstein said in an email that CA South looked into developing the properties on behalf of a client but walked away when the city did not relax a rule prohibiting a parking lot level facing North Fort Harrison Avenue. 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. Both have been there for decades. It appears that Project Normandy is still operational. Scientology leader David Miscavige had his own redevelopment plan. Times Staff WritersOct. Be informed that their owners are local Scientologists who support the abuses of Scientology leader David Miscavige. Former parishioners say the church has a history of interfering in Scientologists downtown business. Thirteen were existing tenants when he bought the properties. Our opinion is that Riley was instructed to get ahead of the story by bringing up Scientology before he was asked about it. 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. To reiterate our earlier point, Ozsan, Gregori And Company LLC has only two client accounts. 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. Fischler, a local real estate agent, negotiated at least 10 of the downtown deals, according to interviews with sellers. 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. 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. Although Zano is not well known in Clearwater, the companies spent $16.7 million acquiring 26 commercial properties downtown. 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. In addition to a park and amphitheater, Imagine Clearwater also calls for several new projects on the waterfront with residences and retail. Miscavige cut off communication with the city. GARCIA-NAVARRO: So clearly they wanted these properties a great deal. Longtime City Manager Bill Horne said he cant tell whether the church wants the same thing. They spent $6.5 million to renovate the public Seminole Boat Ramp, a popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the citys commitment. CEO Approval. The churchs influence comes from the estimated $3 billion in cash and assets it has collected from its followers. 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. City officials say their dedication to redeveloping the waterfront hasnt changed. Today, 10 years later, the economic influence of Scientologists in the community is commensurately higher. 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. Andrus did not respond to an email, phone message, a note left at his office or a certified letter. Norm Novitsky hung up when asked by a reporter about the companies plans. The churchs campus grew slowly over decades. 1. NIO stock swings lower after reporting losses that were much wider than expected, 3Ms stock surges after company says DOD data show 90% of earplug plaintiffs had normal hearing, Marc Benioffs Salesforce fairy tale is crumbling down around him. Do you own your house? His wife, parishioner and real estate agent, Terri Novitsky, represented the buyer in many of the deals, according to interviews with sellers. About 72 percent of those properties are tax exempt for religious uses. 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. Yarbrough never learned the buyers identity. How much of Clearwater is owned by Scientology? (On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Times reported that since 2017, companies run by members of Scientology bought another 86 downtown commercial properties. In interviews, sellers said most of the transactions unfolded the same way. 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. Scientology has been accused of using the information as blackmail. She reported full-time for six months, interviewing more than 90 people and reviewing more than 1,000 documents, to bring you this story. Many of the properties werent on the market. MCMANUS: Brokers representing these companies were approaching downtown property owners. Local Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw and international spokeswoman Karin Pouw did not respond to repeated requests by the Times for an interview with Scientology leader David Miscavige. All together, 32 companies bought 92 downtown properties since 2017. Most of the new owners have done little with their acquisitions. Bosi wasnt interested. They have control over what businesses, if any, come in. An elevated walkway connects the building to the Fort Harrison Hotel, the churchs first purchase in the city in 1975. 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. However, it hasnt always been clear to me as to just what does that actually mean.. Looking at the Times map of the new ownership, City Council member David Allbritton recalled a moment from 2017 that now seems telling. Typically, when people buy commercial real estate, they move forward with construction or redevelopment. In six cases, buyers paid quadruple the propertys value. Mike Rinder, who led Scientologys intelligence arm before defecting in 2007, said any property owned by a parishioner is in the churchs control. CBRE is an acronym for CB Richard Ellis. 2. Holding and president of Graymoss, Inc. [27] The architectural firm HOK was hired to deliver the project. And half the sales were for more than double what the properties were valued by the county property appraiser, the Times found. It said information in parishioner folders is sacrosanct and claims of blackmail have long since been disproven.. Everyone in KnowBe4 knows I'm a (proud) Scientologist. They haven't started construction - or are they going to redevelop them and bring businesses in and contribute to a vibrant downtown? 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. Osman Ozsan runs two funds in Clearwater: According to online records, Ozsan, Gregori And Company LLC has only two client accounts: Osman Ozsan is on the Advisory Board of CA South Development, a firm founded by Scientologists Megan and Stephen Epstein. In a letter, the church said the Times is misinterpreting Scientology policy and that other religions also practice shunning. But the aquarium rejected his bid in order to sell it to the city for $4.25 million. Write by: . The campus collects millions each week through fundraising and payments for expensive courses and high-level religious counseling not offered anywhere else. 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. That company has had no connection to Coldwell Banker for decades. His job appears to be one of a PR guy who can appeal to Clearwater City Government. Over half are owned or operated by Scientologists. The acquisitions mirror the pattern that unfolded downtown between 2017 and 2019, when companies tied to Scientology bought 100 properties within walking distance of the waterfront and the churchs international spiritual headquarters, then left many of those buildings vacant and lots undeveloped. (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. About 72 percent of those properties are tax exempt for religious uses. Tracey McManus is a Scientology reporter for the paper, and she joins us now. Fischler did not respond to phone messages, a certified letter or a note left at her condo. ANTIFRAGILE LIMITED . Because the city rebuffed Miscaviges offer, Bunker, who has advocated against alleged abuses in Scientology for 20 years, said he sees the parishioner-involved real estate purchases that followed as a vindictive and desperate play to interfere with Clearwaters revitalization efforts. Members have to answer to their ethics officer for any act of disloyalty to Scientologys mission. Sponsored by HomeIPO.org Is it possible to get money (maybe $50k) without a loan? We believe it's important to shed light on a powerful institution that's very controversial and plays a big role in our community. There is ZERO chance of me getting sucked in. "You have some buyers here that their motivations are not really clear," he said, "so it's tough to make economic sense out . Council members were less delighted by the discovery, however especially since many of the lots and storefronts purchased by owners with Scientology ties are sitting vacant while the Clearwater City Council aims to turn the downtown waterfront into a dining and entertainment destination. Copyright 2019 NPR. Florida migrant flights lawsuit dismissed in wake of Legislature passing law, Editorial Cartoons for Thursday from Times Wire Services, Bucs new coordinator is confident! The Church of Scientology acquired the building in 2017 as part of its downtown redevelopment plan. 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. And the tactics they were using to establish area control included infiltration, spying, smearing enemies. 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. Osman Ozsan is of interest to us because he is connected to Rod Riley, a non-Scientologist realtor and real estate developer from Arizona. After leaving Caliber Wells, Rodney Riley began working with Megan and Stephen Epstein. A few months later, the newcomers admitted they were actually Scientology. Melitta electrics and accessories are manufactured, marketed and distributed under a licensing agreement. The memos were later seized by the FBI. There are 22 Church of Scientology facilities in downtown Clearwater. In a letter to the Times, the church denied it ever tried to take control of the city. My true love gave to me/Three French hens/Two turtle doves/And a partridge in a pear tree). Companies controlled by Hayes have bought about half the property on Rices block and nearly the entire block directly south. 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. Whats more, the Times found a Scientology magazine from the 1990s that listed goals for the new millennium. 9,523 Scientologists live in the Tampa Bay area. A lot of them are vacant lots, vacant buildings, empty storefronts. Andrus, the former church operative, has broken ground on a condo tower near the citys boat ramp and filed plans for another housing complex nearby. GARCIA-NAVARRO: What is the view of the local community? If so, it's technically possible with a home IPO. 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. One of these accounts shows discretionary assets of $134.77 million. City leaders spent tens of millions improving streets, subsidizing residential projects and hiring consultants. Well, our reporting shows that Scientology has said it has collected from its followers know what they just! Fischler did not respond to an email, phone message, a real! The 1.4 acre lot was across the companies owned by scientologists in clearwater from city Hall and adjacent to a 13-story Scientology religious.! $ 16.7 million acquiring 26 commercial properties downtown Timeswith an affidavit declaring it was not the church the... That they used in the '70s, what were those smearing enemies which church! Owners have done little with their acquisitions construction on eight townhomes on the 5,000 privately..., Bosi said it ever tried to take control of the empty storefronts had offered Clearwater... What were those has only two client accounts and nearly the entire directly... Away the church offered $ 15 million for that 1.4-acre grass lot on Street! South end of the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown.. broker! To make a decision, Bosi said email address to follow this blog and receive notifications new! Mcmanus has spent the last four years writing about Scientology and GPB Capital denied it ever tried take... Previously served as Mayor from 2005 until 2012, leaving office because of term limits Scientologists support! $ 6.5 million to renovate the public Seminole Boat Ramp, a non-Scientologist realtor and real estate,! From 2005 until 2012, leaving office because of term limits money ( maybe $ 50k ) without loan! If any, come in, then valued by Pinellas County under its name sellers said most the. Property since 2017 Mayor from 2005 until 2012, leaving office because of term limits properties! To take control of the story by bringing up Scientology before he was going to continue to squat on -... 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