It is clear that some people commenting are not apprised of the issues relating to this rezoning matter. It is not a matter of denying anyone their rights, or mistreatment of a religious group, no matter how much attorney Woodson Galloway would like to spin it that way. The Church of Scientology wants to use the building in a manner that is inconsistent with the surrounding area, and inconsistent with the zoning regulations.

The building is currently 3 stories, 32,000 square feet, with 111 parking spaces, 30 of which are under the building. The Scientologists would like to enclose the underground parking lot for a 4th floor, increasing the building to 44,000 square feet, and reducing the parking to 81 spaces.

This would put the density in excess of the zoning mandated parking spaces per square foot. Sandy Springs has been willing to allow every request made with regard to changing the zoning, with the exception of allowing the basement enclosure, because of the parking space elimination. This would render the building unsuitable for any future use. They could occupy the building (which has been vacant since purchased by the Church of Scientology of Georgia in 2005) now, if they were willing to compromise about enclosing the basement.

This issue is more complex than it appears, and is being discussed in much more detail on the forum at TheTippingPoint.org .

Clearwater’s experience with Scientology is valuable in forming an opinion on this matter.
=======================================

Letters: Scientology's grip hurts downtown Clearwater - St. Petersburg Times
Letters: Scientology's grip hurts downtown Clearwater
May 27, 2008
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/article525625.ece


=======================================

Clearwater merchants upset over anti-Scientology protests - St. Petersburg Times
Clearwater merchants upset over anti-Scientology protests
May 14, 2008
http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article503671.ece

The "petition" mentioned in the article (petition written by downtown business owners) was actually written by Scientologists pretending to be regular Joe American business people. They were exposed by a one-by-one examination of the signatures on the petition by volunteer ex-scientologists.

Scientology in Clearwater - Project to identify all downtown Clearwater businesses
section titled "Petition to Clearwater Mayor by Scientologist-friendly businesses"
http://www.scientologyinclearwater.com/downtownaddresses.html

=======================================

Tampabay: The unperson
The unperson: Scientologists who cross their religion can be declared suppressive persons, shunned by peers and ostracized by family.
June 25, 2006
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/24/Tampabay/The_unperson.shtml
=======================================

Scientology's town: As Scientologists launch unprecedented expansion, downtown Clearwater's identity is at stake. A two-part special report
July 18, 2004
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/07/18/Tampabay/Scientology_s_town.shtml

=======================================

Clearwater Sun alum says City Desk clerk was a spy for Scientology
Clearwater Sun alum says City Desk clerk was a spy for Scientology
August 04, 2008
http://blogs.tampabay.com/media/2008/08/clearwater-sun.html

=======================================

Tampabay: Is he a slumlord or ethical specialist?
Is he a slumlord or ethical specialist? The man who owns an apartment building evacuated by officials for safety violations also holds Scientology’s highest status.
May 11, 2006
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/05/11/Tampabay/Is_he_a_slumlord_or_e.shtml

=======================================
Important video interview
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5704547942523554352&q=5704547942523554352&ei=tLgrSMbeJ4SE4gKkw7niCQ
Gabe Cazares Interview - 44:14 - Apr 8, 2006

This interview features Gabe Cazares who was Mayor of Clearwater, Florida when Scientology snuck into the city under an assumed name. Gabe courageously took them on and was savagely attacked by Scientology in numerous covert operations which were later uncovered when the FBI raided Scientology's headquarters. Meet Gabe Cazares - Former Mayor of Clearwater, Florida Also in the video is Wayne Shelor. At the time of the interview, Wayne worked as a journalist. He later would become the PR man for the Clearwater Police Department.

Additional info:
http://www.shipbrook.com/jeff/CoS/timeline.html
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/07/18/Tampabay/Scientology_s_town.shtml

The problem is that Scientology is using the old "we're a religion" argument to try to have its cake and eat it too. Scientology's "courses" constitute it's main "worship", not the use of the small chapel each org building has. The Scientologists are being disingenuous with regard to how and when their building will be used.
A typical tactic with them.

I agree that in the fact maybe the church should pay for tax, and not the community but I honestly feel that that if they have the rights to rezone their office building. By denying them it reminds me how Jews were denied rights, and how African American were denied rights to start business and even purchase homes within communities. This should not be the case with Scientology.

I understand your frustration with traffic and the poor job of infrastructure that the cities have done, but I'd like to respectfully point out a couple of issues.

First, what gives an early property owner in an area more of a right to fully use their property than a subsequent property owner? In other words, if you happen to build your house/building first, why should I be denied the ability to build my own house/building later? Second, frustration should be directed at the Politicos who have mis-spent tax dollars for decades. Instead of investing in infrastructure that was needed to support future growth, they spent it on things that would get them re-elected. That caused the infrastructure that was in place to be overloaded and the new infrastructure to cost more than it would have if it were built in a timely manner. Lastly, since everyone in the area uses streets, sewers, etc..., why would only the latest folks to move in be asked to pick up the tab? Doesn't seem fair to me.

We're all frustrated by traffic and infrastructure issues, but beating up on new development (as long as it is quality and is harmonious with the area) will only result in decay. Sandy Springs is a great example if this.

And no, I'm not a developer.

Personally, I think Scientologists are nutty as hell, but I think that they (and everyone else) has a right to use their property in a manner which is consistent with the surrounding area. The Sandy Springs area south of 285 is not much more than gas stations, MARTA bus stops, and section 8 housing. How in the world would a new Church hurt the area? It wouldn't. The neighbors don't like the Churh's teachings (nor do I), and are using traffic as a ploy to stop it.

I smell a lawsuit coming.....Get ready to pay up, Sandy Springs.