Scientology state HQ still up in the air
Plans by the Church of Scientology to build a new state headquarters in Georgia continue to brew controversy.
The city council of the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs delayed a vote this week on a rezoning request following what the Atlanta Journal Constitution describes as “a packed house of several dozen opponents wearing ‘STOP’ stickers on their lapels and several dozen supporters on hand with a court reporter, taking down all comments.”
Neighbors have insisted their opposition has nothing to do with the controversies that dog Scientology, but the impacts the development would have on the community. According to the Journal Constitution, the church has hinted that it will file a federal lawsuit against Sandy Springs if the rezoning request is denied.
“We are trying to do everything we can to address every issue raised by the community,” said W. Woodson Galloway, who is representing the church. “We feel we’ve addressed every legitimate issue. … No other church in Sandy Springs has made these kind of concessions, or been asked to.”
Galloway said the court reporter – typically an indicator that an attorney is preparing a court case – was his normal procedure for a final hearing in case the council did take a vote, according to the Journal Constitution.
