Church of Scientology Buys More Harlem Property

The Observer, New York/August 6, 2007
By Mark Wellborn

The Church of Scientology has purchased more property on 125th Street, and one of the buyers is listed in city records as Richard Fear. We kid you not.

The L. Ron Hubbard-founded religion recently closed on 230 and 232 125th Street for $10.2 million, according to city records. The latter address was formerly the site of the St. Samuel Church of God.

In 2003, the Scientologists acquired 220 East 125th Street for $3.45 million. They're currently building a 33,000-square-foot church on that property and will build a new community center on the more recent acquisitions, according to Karin Pouw, a public affairs representative for the church.

According to Ms. Pouw, the superhero on the deed, er, Mr. Fear, is a Trustee of the church.

The new property sits just two blocks north of the Church of Scientology of Harlem, currently the only other outpost of the Tom Cruise and Beck-followed faith in the zip code. The church also has locations on West 46th Street and East 82nd Street.

Ms. Pouw said that the timeline for completion of both properties is about two years.