CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) – On Monday, leaders from Clearwater will deliberate on the potential sale of a downtown property to the Church of Scientology.
The proposal has received strong pushback from residents. Dozens voiced opinions during a previous open house about the proposal.
“How can any of you think that voting for Scientology’s purchase means you are representing the will of the Clearwater people,” one resident questioned.
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“They participate in events, stay in local beach hotels, generating revenue. Critics base their arguments on emotion rather than logic,” stated another resident.
The proposal would allow the church to take over Garden Avenue, which is currently a public street.
The nearly $1.4 million purchase would allow the church to build a new theatre, valet, and park towards Fort Harrison Avenue.
“If this proposal goes through, I do believe that it’s got a large reward if they follow through with their deal,” Councilmember Ryan Cotton previously said.
Vice Mayor Lina Teixeira countered, “Privatizing of that road has a very big negative impact on the ability to maneuver and the accessibility to the very downtown we are revitalizing.”
Another proposal would turn the same area into a walkway and greenspace memorializing the city’s African American community.
City council members will discuss the church’s proposal on Thursday.
