The Clearwater City Council postponed consideration of a proposed sale of the vacated one-block portion of Garden Avenue to the Church of Scientology, voting 3–2 on April 3 to continue the item to the council meeting on May 15.

Council members said they had received an alternative proposal for the same parcel on short notice and wanted time to examine community input and staff analysis. The council also directed City Manager Jennifer Poirier to continue negotiations and serve as the point person on Garden Avenue matters during the extension period.

Why it matters: The parcel at issue sits adjacent to the Church of Scientology’s Flag Building and has drawn months of community attention because of questions about how a transfer would affect downtown public space, protest rights and long-term downtown activation. The proposal on the table would convey the city-owned right of way after conditions are met and after the church completes its planned building; opponents say the terms are too favorable and lack sufficient enforceable activation commitments.

Public comment filled the dais for more than four hours. Speakers who opposed the sale argued the transfer would cede a public street to a private organization and could reduce access, harm downtown vibrancy and set a precedent for selling city right-of-way. Several callers urged the council to require stronger activation terms, more upfront payment, penalties with “teeth,” or to pursue alternative uses proposed by community groups.

Supporters of the church’s proposal said the Church of Scientology has invested in downtown buildings and would create an event hall that could generate hotel and restaurant demand. Tom Mahoney of Public Works told council the draft agreement sets a purchase price of $1,375,000 and preserves utility easements; the city would not convey title until the church completes the building and obtains a certificate of occupancy.

Council action and next steps: Council voted 3–2 to continue the matter to May 15. The council then passed a separate motion authorizing and directing City Manager Jennifer Poirier to conduct and lead negotiations on Garden Avenue-related matters during the extension period. The manager and city attorney said the city required statutory advertising under the Community Redevelopment Act and that the city had already received appraisals and a draft contract for council consideration.

What to watch: Council members said they expect staff to report back with analysis of the recently submitted alternative proposal from community groups, details on enforceable activation milestones, proposed guarantee instruments, and a clearer schedule showing when funds, certificates of occupancy and title transfer would occur. If the council ultimately approves a conveyance, staff said title would not transfer until the developer completes the agreed building and closing conditions are met.