Residents push ballot initiative to curb Scientology’s downtown expansion
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CLEARWATER, Fla. – A grassroots campaign is underway in Clearwater to block future efforts by the Church of Scientology to close public streets downtown.
The “Save The Garden” initiative, led by resident Brooks Gibbs, launched a petition for a proposed referendum that would require voter approval for any “vacation of public right-of-way” in the city’s downtown core.
Earlier this year, the Church applied to purchase and close off a portion of South Garden Avenue as part of plans for an auditorium and park. The Church said the move was for safety reasons but withdrew its application in May to review the proposal.
Despite that withdrawal, organizers worry similar plans could return in the future. “They already own 75% of the properties,” Gibbs said. “They can build whatever they want on their properties, but now they’re looking to buy our streets.”
Read more https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/residents-push-ballot-initiative-curb-235943835.html
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