Scientology Could Be Providing Affordable Housing For St. Petersburg

As city leaders search for innovative ways to address St. Pete’s affordable housing crisis, an unlikely institution could provide the solution: the Church of Scientology.

A concept dubbed “Commodore Commons” could pair Scientology’s existing organizational structure with St. Pete’s “Yes in God’s Backyard,” or YIGBY, initiative to create a new model for affordable housing.

The program encourages religious institutions to convert underutilized property into affordable housing, an arrangement that could provide a unique opportunity to simultaneously address the city’s housing shortage and expand the local workforce.

“Affordable housing has always been about more than putting a roof over someone’s head,” said OT VIII development consultant Graham Whitmore. “It’s about stability, community and giving people a reason to stay somewhere long term. Scientology understands that better than anyone.”

Under the concept, Commodore Commons would be a modern multifamily development offering subsidized apartments to qualifying residents. While conventional applicants would be subject to income restrictions, an alternative eligibility pathway could allow residents to qualify by joining Scientology’s Sea Organization.

The arrangement would dramatically reduce housing costs for participants in exchange for what proponents describe as a modest commitment.

Many housing projects have carried affordability commitments lasting as long as 99 years, but Whitmore said Commodore Commons would set a new standard.

“Ninety-nine years sounds impressive, but we’re talking about billions of years,” Whitmore said. “That’s the kind of long-term thinking St. Pete needs.”

Whitmore said the benefits wouldn’t stop at the property line. Commodore Commons would bring personality testing, auditing and other outreach programs to surrounding neighborhoods.

He said the model would also offer a new way to deal with opposition.

“Every development has a few people determined to suppress progress,” Whitmore said. “As far as I’m concerned, those people are fair game.”

Whitmore said the concept would eventually expand throughout St. Petersburg.

“The city needs affordable housing. Scientology wants to grow. We already have YIGBY,” Whitmore said. “Let’s make it happen.”