Church of Scientology Buys More Harlem Property

The Church of Scientology has purchased more property on 125^th 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 232 125^th 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 125^th 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 46^th Street and East 82^nd Street.

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