Need info on Clearwater. (Tampa, Sunset: apartment, hotels, house)

[albion]

I'm thinking about investing in property in the Clearwater area, but I have been told by quite a few people that it has being overrun by members of the church of Scientology. If this is true then my interest in Clearwater will be over.

We had a large Scientology church close to where I once lived in East Grinstead England, and they caused no end of problems and controversy. Once bitten twice shy as they say.

[kyle19125]

Clearwater is not being overrun by the Church of Scientology...it's amazing the rumors people will perpetuate. The church has it's headquarters in Downtown Clearwater, and other than that, one would be challenged to find any evidence of their influence elsewhere in the city. Clearwater is a city of around 110,000 spread out over 40 square miles. The Church of Scientology has facilities/residences spread out over a mere two blocks in Downtown Clearwater....that's not exactly overrun is it?

[jsun556]

Really it would be hard to know they were even there if the information wasn't out there.

[vaughanwilliams]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Clearwater is not being overrun by the Church of Scientology...it's amazing the rumors people will perpetuate. The church has it's headquarters in Downtown Clearwater, and other than that, one would be challenged to find any evidence of their influence elsewhere in the city. Clearwater is a city of around 110,000 spread out over 40 square miles. The Church of Scientology has facilities/residences spread out over a mere two blocks in Downtown Clearwater....that's not exactly overrun is it?

They've bought entire apartment buildings and hotels all over the city and converted them to barracks for their worker bees. Where do you think that mob comes from every morning?

The Clearwater City Council is an "at large" city council meaning they're not elected by districts. For the last decade, the Council has been overwhelmingly (almost entirely) Clearwater Beach people. Theoretically, five people living in the same apartment building could run and be elected to the Council.

I'll go out on a pretty sturdy ledge and predict that within five years Scientology will have a substantial presence on the Council.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by vaughanwilliams

They've bought entire apartment buildings and hotels all over the city and converted them to barracks for their worker bees. Where do you think that mob comes from every morning?

The Clearwater City Council is an "at large" city council meaning they're not elected by districts. For the last decade, the Council has been overwhelmingly (almost entirely) Clearwater Beach people. Theoretically, five people living in the same apartment building could run and be elected to the Council.

I'll go out on a pretty sturdy ledge and predict that within five years Scientology will have a substantial presence on the Council.

Ok seriously, take off the tin foil hat. They have not bought entire buildings and hotels "all over the city". They're downtown, next to the headquarters and comprise a few buildings in that area. In terms of "taking over the city" via city council, who knows but logic would dictate probably not.

[LandsharkJB]

They own a lot more buildings than you think in Clearwater... 67 to be exact according to the Tampa Bay Times as of 2011. That's more than "a few".

The scientology presence doesn't bother me a bit, in fact seeing other parts of downtown I'm almost glad they are there... but the OP may feel differently. If he/she is bothered by the sight of them on the streets in packs or a huge giant building reminding you of their prescence then downtown Clearwater would certaintly be a dissapointment.

[vaughanwilliams]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Ok seriously, take off the tin foil hat. They have not bought entire buildings and hotels "all over the city". They're downtown, next to the headquarters and comprise a few buildings in that area. In terms of "taking over the city" via city council, who knows but logic would dictate probably not.

Not sure if you know what you're talking about but they own A LOT more than what's downtown, and yes the properties are spread out all over the city. I never said they were going to take over the city but when the city council and the mayor are nominated by an at-large system, it's quite easy to stack the race with candidates with common objectives (i.e. Clearwater Beach residents). That's why it's rare and puzzling to see a city the size of Clearwater still using the at-large system instead of nominations coming from districts. I'm surprised the residents haven't raised hell about the perception of unequal representation.

I'll stand by my prediction but whether a council made up of Sciencetologists will be a good thing or a bad thing is unknown. Probably won't make any difference.

[cat_link]

Yes, Scientologists have had a presence in Clearwater since the '70's. If they wanted to take over the town - well, they've had over 40 years and have not made efforts to do so.

What kind of investment property? If you are considering downtown commercial property then the Scientologist presence is a consideration. Not because they cause trouble. Because people perceive their presence as an issue.

As for the rest of Clearwater the objection has no bearing. You could easily go about your daily life and have no awareness of the Scientologists.

I spent over 40 years in Clearwater and owned a business downtown when the Scientologists first arrived so I'm not talking without experience.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by LandsharkJB

They own a lot more buildings than you think in Clearwater... 67 to be exact according to the Tampa Bay Times as of 2011. That's more than "a few".

The scientology presence doesn't bother me a bit, in fact seeing other parts of downtown I'm almost glad they are there... but the OP may feel differently. If he/she is bothered by the sight of them on the streets in packs or a huge giant building reminding you of their prescence then downtown Clearwater would certaintly be a dissapointment.

Originally Posted by vaughanwilliams

Not sure if you know what you're talking about but they own A LOT more than what's downtown, and yes the properties are spread out all over the city. I never said they were going to take over the city but when the city council and the mayor are nominated by an at-large system, it's quite easy to stack the race with candidates with common objectives (i.e. Clearwater Beach residents). That's why it's rare and puzzling to see a city the size of Clearwater still using the at-large system instead of nominations coming from districts. I'm surprised the residents haven't raised hell about the perception of unequal representation.

I'll stand by my prediction but whether a council made up of Sciencetologists will be a good thing or a bad thing is unknown. Probably won't make any difference.

Well, who knew they owned so much...which goes back to the point of "so what"? They're quiet, go about their business and don't bother anyone else. I'll take that slice of sub-demographic over a half dozen other options any day.

[D-R-B]

They do have many apartment buildings and older mom and pop hotel style buildings scattered around Clearwater away from downtown...

A few examples would be on Keene Rd north of Drew St (multiple properties)

Alt 19 south of Sunset Point Rd

There are plenty more as well...

They use them as a safe spot to house their "recruits" so to speak.