Church of Scientology withdraws plans for downtown project

The Clearwater City Council was set to vote on a sale of land Thursday evening.

Tampa Bay Times/May 16, 2025

By Colbi Edmonds

The Church of Scientology has withdrawn its request to purchase a downtown Clearwater strip of public land on the eve of a vote by the City Council. The item was removed from Thursday’s agenda.

A lawyer for the church sent an email to city staff at 9:08 p.m. on Wednesday with an attached letter announcing the decision.

“Based upon the discussions to date surrounding the application, the Church has determined to supplement its application with additional information addressing its need for the Garden Avenue property, including life safety concerns,” Robert Potter, a lawyer representing the church, wrote in a letter to Clearwater City Manager Jennifer Poirrier. “The Church has also determined that issues surrounding title to the property should be reviewed in depth.”

On Monday, the City Council heard presentations from the church and an opposing proposal, called Save the Garden. Council member David Allbritton, who had originally voted in support of the church’s plan in March, said he had changed his mind — making a Scientology win unlikely.

“My stance on the sale of the public street has shifted as I reflected on what was promised compared to what actually has been revealed,” he said. “Thursday night, I will vote against the sale of Garden Avenue.”

The Church had requested the city vacate a portion of South Garden Avenue between Franklin and Court streets to construct a plaza in front of its flagship building. The separate proposal, from a group of local residents, aims to memorialize African American history in the city’s downtown.

Brooks Gibbs, who is helping lead the Save the Garden project, wrote in an email the group is looking to work with the city on a 100-year lease of the strip of South Garden Avenue.

Gibbs wrote that the group never wanted the city to sell the land, but if it did, they were willing to purchase it.

“We are committed to staying the course and completing the task before us,” Gibbs wrote in an email to the Tampa Bay Times. “The story of Clearwater deserves to be told and remembered.”

Clearwater City Council member Ryan Cotton, who has supported the church’s plan, said on Wednesday he met with the city manager, David Miscavige, the head of Scientology, church senior staff and other members of their team.

Cotton said Miscavige directed his team to quickly move forward with construction projects on Cleveland Street, and the church has scheduled meetings with prospective tenants for its properties.

And, Miscavige “expressed that public trust, transparency, and collaboration with the City are priorities,” Cotton said by email.

“The City should work with anyone committed to improving downtown, including scientology,” he said. “They remain the largest property owner, and if they’re willing to work with the City, we should be willing to work with them. I also look forward to the opportunities future county developments will bring to the area.”

Clearwater residents who are opposed to Scientology’s plan argue their downtown is deserted, populated with only empty storefronts and members of the church.

Mike Mastruserio, a marketing executive who made a bid for the City Council last year, said he believes Clearwater’s downtown can be rejuvenated.

The church is “not going to go away,” but for now, he’s celebrating Scientology’s decision as a “win.”

“Thank God for Dave Allbritton,” he said.