Meet the 5 bidders who want to develop Clearwater’s downtown bluff. (One is the Church of Scientology.)

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Meet the 5 bidders who want to develop Clearwater’s downtown bluff. (One is the Church of Scientology.)​

Tampa Bay Times: Meet the 5 bidders who want to develop Clearwater’s downtown bluff.


Meet the 5 bidders who want to develop Clearwater’s downtown bluff


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Church of Scientology

It’s unclear whether the Church of Scientology wants to build on one, two or all three bluff sites. Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw did not respond to two emails or a phone message seeking comment.

However, the church has pursued the 1.2-acre Pierce Street parcel for years. In early 2017, when the Clearwater Marine Aquarium owned the vacant lot, city officials talked publicly about buying the land to include it in the waterfront redevelopment plan.

In March 2017, Scientology leader David Miscavige met with council members and offered to spend $50 million to revitalize downtown by recruiting high-end retail to empty storefronts, renovating Cleveland Street facades and building an entertainment complex with actor and Scientologist Tom Cruise.

Miscavige’s offer hinged on the city allowing Scientology to buy the Pierce Street lot. When the city offered the aquarium $4.25 million for the parcel, Miscavige offered the aquarium $15 million.

Miscavige said he needed the lot to build a swimming pool and other amenities for parishioners staying in the church’s adjacent Oak Cove religious retreat.

In April 2017, the council voted unanimously to buy the Pierce Street lot from the aquarium for $4.25 million. Miscavige then cut all communication with the city.

Over the next three years, limited liability companies tied to Scientology bought nearly 100 commercial properties within walking distance of the downtown waterfront, where the city was planning its Imagine Clearwater park transformation.

Today, more than half of the 100 storefronts and lots sit vacant.

In a meeting with city manager Bill Horne in January 2020, Miscavige reiterated his desire to acquire the Pierce Street lot to build a swimming pool and other amenities for church members.

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