Scientologists approved to build large auditorium in Florida community as residents weigh lawsuits to stop the project

Scientologists approved to build large auditorium in Florida community as residents weigh lawsuits to stop the project ‘People don’t care about what other religions believe. But they do care about the property, the place that they live,’ one group said - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments A Florida city has handed control of a downtown street to the Church of Scientology for a planned auditorium, drawing backlash and threats of legal action from residents. In a vote this week, the Clearwater City Council approved vacating South Garden Avenue, a short road beside the church’s Flag Building, which spans an entire city block. The church, which boasts a large share of members in the Gulf Coast city, plans to build an event space on the site named after its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Before the vote, dozens of community residents flooded into a city council meeting, with some forced to wait outside. During a public comment period, reactions ranged from fervent support for the project to fierce opposition. “For many of us, this isn’t just another building project. It’s something we’ve worked toward for years,” one church member told officials. The woman, who described herself as both a Scientologist and a Jew, said she wants a safe space to worship, citing a rise in anti-Semitism. Another church member recalled being singled out for her religion as a child growing up in Clearwater. “I would like to think that those days are over, but in reality they’re not,” she said. “Vacating Garden Avenue would create that opportunity of creating consecutive space and an appropriate buffer to keep event attendees free from harassment and danger.” Some opponents of the development project said they're not against Scientology, but against closing off a public space, which one described as a betrayal of taxpayers. “People don’t care about what other religions believe,” a spokesperson for the group called Save the Garden, told officials. “But they do care about the property, the place that they live.” “We’re all free to believe whatever we want, but we’re also all welcome members of one community, and we need to keep the grid open, we need to keep the buildings open,” he said. He added that his group remains "committed to action,” including by filing a suit against the city. Jose Estigarribia, an attorney representing a local business owner, said he is already in the process of taking legal action in order to determine who “the rightful owner” of the road. After about an hour of commentary, the city council voted 3-2 to vacate South Garden Avenue. The Church of Scientology, founded in 1954, has millions of adherents worldwide, including several thousand in the Clearwater area, according to its website. Beyond the Flag Building, it owns nearly two dozen other downtown properties, making it the area's largest property taxpayer. The church's substantial portfolio has created tension in the city, in part because many of the buildings it owns have remained empty despite years of urging from city officials, The Independent previously reported. “We really are seeing momentum and would love for them to activate the properties,” Mayor Bruce Rector said earlier this year. The church has faced multiple allegations over the years, including that it mistreats its members and engages in predatory financial practices. A number of celebrities have been associated with the church, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Leah Remini, who left the organization over a decade ago, said in 2024 that her life has been a “constant struggle.” The Independent has reached out to a church representative for comment. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments