And yes, everyone that works here is asked to keep politics and religion out . And Scientology has an interest in keeping that insulated according to former executives that we've interviewed. It was owned by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. 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. Sep 19, 2022 - Anonymous Employee in Clearwater, FL. 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. The family of Moises Agami, a developer whose companies bought 20 storefronts and a parking lot last year, has donated at least $10 million. We interpret it as the Tampa Bay Times getting too close for Mr. Epsteins comfort. 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. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Flag is what they call it, and it's the international spiritual headquarters of the church. The analysis considered property within the general boundaries of Cedar Street to the north, Missouri Avenue to the east, Chestnut Street to the south and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west. AMI's culture and team members truly make AMI an amazing place to work! It would be the same if I was a (proud) Christian, Jew, or Muslim. 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. The few willing to answer questions said Scientology has no influence on their real estate dealings. We previously reported on CA South Development. 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. 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. Looking at the Times map of the new ownership, City Council member David Allbritton recalled a moment from 2017 that now seems telling. Epstein declined to name his client but responded to questions from the Times with an affidavit declaring it was not the Church of Scientology. Investigative journalism like this is the most expensive work that we do. Half the properties were bought since January 2017. If you are looking for a career where your coworkers and leadership care about you and your success, AMI is the right place! 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. In response to detailed memos summarizing the reporting, the church criticized the Times for portraying its members as mindless robots and for having a preconceived agenda to present every Scientology story in a false and unfavorable light.. Ozsan has had a residence in London since 2001. A for-lease sign sits in long-vacant retail space at The SkyView condo tower, owned by Scientologist and developer Moises Agami. You have some buyers here that their motivations are not really clear, he said, so its tough to make economic sense out of it.. On Sept. 7, Epsteins employee was removed from the corporate filings of the company that own the land. 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. 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. Fifty-eight are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown.. Flag is run by the churchs full-time workforce, the Sea Org, whose members sign billion-year contracts and work around the clock. Letsgetstarted. 9,523 Scientologists live in the Tampa Bay area. Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has bought 60 . Nearly two years after the properties were sold to a company run by two Scientologists, no redevelopment plans have been submitted. 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. He owns Stonebridge Real Estate and served as president of the Florida Gulfcoast Commercial Association of Realtors in 2017. 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. And the tactics they were using to establish area control included infiltration, spying, smearing enemies. All they did was act like children and make crude sex/homophobic/racial jokes about being raped, gangbanged, etc. During spiritual counseling, parishioners are interrogated about their deepest secrets, which are recorded in folders and stored indefinitely. All 45 North Marina properties were purchased by companies managed or operated by two longtime members of Scientology: Steven Hayes, an attorney who has done legal work on behalf of church related organizations for more than two decades, and Norm Novitsky, a businessperson who has donated at least $5 million to Scientology. But in the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. The US average revenue of a car dealership is $38.3 million. Real estate agent Daphna Fischler brokered at least 10 downtown sales on behalf of seven buyers. The Times also contacted representatives of all 32 companies it identified that bought downtown real estate over the past three years. Bosi wasnt interested. It appears that Project Normandy is still operational. Andrus did not respond to an email, phone message, a note left at his office or a certified letter. Im concerned, Mayor Frank Hibbard said. pauline hanson dancing with the stars; just jerk dance members; what happens if a teacher gets a dui For example, David Miscaviges personal lawyer of 35 years Monique Yingling has never been a Scientologist. The Church of Scientology has done many things at a remove or by a ruse, feint, or stratagem. TRACEY MCMANUS: Hi, Lulu. GPB Capital Holdings: Court-Appointed Monitors Report on Q4 2022 Activities. More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover, The full history: Scientologys 40 years of conflict with the City of Clearwater, recapped, Slideshow: See every building owned by the church, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, See a slideshow of all the churchs buildings. Taking into account these denials, we now have a new opinion to offer our readers. The total of all Scientology-connected Clearwater real estate purchases $114.8 million. Argall left the church and was forced to abandon his business of more than 20 years. Block after block, vacant lots sit untouched, and storefronts remain empty: A former jewelry store. By then, the churchs intelligence unit was already deploying an elaborate scheme to establish area control in the city. Can you give me a sense of the scale and how they have made this happen with the relatively little fanfare over the years? Internal church documents detailed missions that planted spies in the state attorneys office, the Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Sun newspaper. If our work stats did not improve day to day . More interesting is that the 15 parcels of land Riley plans acquire in Clearwater are owned by Scientologists. And the Times found that in six cases buyers paid quadruple a propertys value. The churchs hostility toward the public became clear from its first days in the city in fall 1975. The church stopped communicating with the city. The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. 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. 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. I think it throws a stake in it when one party owns 50 percent or so. But after a dispute with the city, Miscavige cut communication. 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. But on days with no events, downtown feels deserted. This month, Shahab Emrani was elected to the Downtown Development Board, which helps promote downtown. 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. Seven businesses have left following recent purchases, and at least three more are leaving this year, including Clearwater Plumbing and Gulf Coast Marine. All together, 32 companies bought 92 downtown properties since 2017. (I'm in Clearwater). She reported full-time for six months, interviewing more than 90 people and reviewing more than 1,000 documents, to bring you this story. In the world of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the wog world by damnedits Christmas 24/7. Scientologists from across the globe make pilgrimages to the campus, called Flag. The Church of Scientology and its members are rapidly buying up a vast downtown neighborhood in a Florida city, according to a major investigation by the Tampa Bay Times. Brokers who are Scientologists approached at least 15 downtown owners about unlisted properties. In Mesa, its the Mormon Church that dominates the area and I was able to work in that environment. Graphics by ELI MURRAY We will continue research on our new Trish Duggan theory. Where did all that money come from? In North America, Melitta is the leading brand of coffee filters. Visitors are expected to stay in Scientologys hotels and eat at private church restaurants. But far more non-Scientologists are moving out. The other side of that is flag is run by the Sea Org, the Scientology's full-time workforce. 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. The project broke ground in August and is aimed at helping bring businesses and foot traffic to the empty storefronts in the surrounding blocks. But its potential is still untapped, with prime vacant land overlooking Clearwater Harbor. Additional Clearwater real estate purchases began in 2019. Church officials used a straw corporation to buy the historic Fort Harrison Hotel and moved in under a fake name. But the couple isnt ready to let go. I saw a business opportunity, Ezra said. Hormel says inflation, supply chain issues and weak sales hit earnings, Macy's shares surge as retailer posts earnings well ahead of forecasts, A supposed Scientology cruise ship is quarantined in St. Lucia over measles, Saturday Night Live star Chloe Fineman says Lorne Michaels gave her the best financial advice, As Republicans further intensify Hunter Biden focus, Attorney General Garland insists hes remained hands-off in years-old investigation, Teslas stock falls 5% as Elon Musks Master Plan 3 is short on details about both cars and finances, What's next for bonds in 2023 after the worst year in history. The Church takes seriously its responsibility and interest in the future of the area. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? (CBRE) in April 2016. In mid-2018, one year before the string of North Marina purchases took off, a company controlled by developer Brian Andrus, a longtime member of Scientology, bought the private marina next to the citys Seminole Boat Ramp. Fifty-three of those are for properties owned by companies run by himself with fellow Scientologist Emrani, a candidate in this election. The spa's website makes it clear that, "In fact, we are, by definition, a Christian based business.". Should we cut my sister out of the family inheritance? Times reporters built a database of hundreds of properties in the center of Clearwaters downtown. But now these LLCs tied to Scientology control the retail district. The memos were later seized by the FBI. They now own most commercial property on every block within walking distance of the waterfront. Aaron Smith-Levin, who left the world of Scientology after 29 years, is running to serve on the council in Clearwaterwhich has been home to the church's international spiritual headquarters. businesses owned by scientologistsdoes keegan allen have a child 26th February 2023 / in west warwick viewpoint / by / in west warwick viewpoint / by Some of the parishioners have a history of working on Scientologys behalf. (Everything owned by parishioner-run companies is still on the tax rolls. Another tell. 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. About $15.9 million was paid in cash. It has to be somebody with the money to invest in a real estate development deal. He walked away with nothing. 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. Osman Ozsan has been a Scientologist since the 1990s. The church has amassed 60 properties in Pinellas County since arriving in 1975. They have control over what businesses, if any, come in. 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. 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. His partner is Scientologist Maria Dolores Gregori Fuster. 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. Religious Technology Center (RTC) is the primary manager of Scientology intellectual property. Times Staff WritersOct. Good luck on that. Osman Ozsan is, in our opinion, one of the more notable Scientologists youve never heard of. Among other things, Ozsan is, according to our source, Trish Duggans money manager. February 1976: Scientology files a $1 million lawsuit against Cazares alleging he violated its constitutional rights with his public criticism. Project Normandy was described in one of hundreds of internal memos Scientology officials exchanged about their plans to infiltrate and control Clearwater. Most did not respond or declined to comment. MCMANUS: Well, our reporting shows that Scientology has a big interest in preserving its downtown campus. He has also lived in Hong Kong and South Korea. Nearly all of the roughly two dozen people listed as operating the companies are Scientologists. In January and February 2017, as the council was preparing to approve the consultants concept, a handful of companies bought six commercial properties downtown. Many of the properties werent on the market. 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. DEUTERIUM ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED The lack of action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent. If Epsteins client was not the Church of Scientology then who is his client? Your characterization that his religious affiliations somehow control his business activities is evidence of personal bias against his religion, Zaretsky wrote. Everyone in KnowBe4 knows I'm a (proud) Scientologist. Hes starting to assemble properties, Allbritton said. 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. Do I spend another 10 years and see what happens in downtown Clearwater?, Scientology, Pinellas County and Clearwater Reporter. CEO Approval. Gensler does all the architectural work for Scientologys Ideal Orgs. GARCIA-NAVARRO: It's the type of servitude. 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. 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. This one is owned by a parishioner who had been featured on the churchs Meet a Scientologist video series. 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