Scientology is going to get away with it.
Many of us gathered on Monday afternoon and waited several hours for the Clearwater City Council to review our citizen petition initiative during their work session. We hoped to hear thoughtful discussion about the thousands of Clearwater voters who signed petitions, because they want a voice in the future of downtown Clearwater and the city’s ability to vacate public streets.
When the agenda item finally came up, not a single council member spoke. All discussion was postponed until Thursday, the day of the vote.
Our team was stunned that the City Council showed so little interest in examining how the petitions were reviewed and rejected. Is the Council at all curious about the accountability process regarding the Clerk’s review of the petitions? Remember, she threw out thousands of signatures. There are many questions the Clerk needs to be asked in order to restore citizen confidence.
We plan to speak during public comment at Thursday’s meeting, and we hope you will join us.
THURSDAY, MAY 21 – Public Comment & Council Vote
🕡 6:00 PM
📍 Clearwater City Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Ave, Clearwater
This decision carries enormous consequences for the future of downtown Clearwater. Scientology has requested the vacation of several public properties, including Garden Avenue, two additional streets, an alleyway, and a city-owned lot for a proposed entertainment complex, L. Ron Hubbard Hall, and a private plaza.
That is FIVE public properties that could potentially be transferred without voter approval.
Will the City Council allow the people of Clearwater to have a voice in the future of our downtown public streets and rights-of-way?
Thank you for standing strong with us. We hope to see you on Thursday.
Team @ SaveTheGarden.org