Activity at the old Ospringe school has caught the attention of residents and town staff.
A new sign identifying the building as a “Continental Liaison Office” was erected at the former school property at the end of August.
Andrew Hartholt, chief building official for the Town of Erin, said in an interview with the Advertiser he believes the building is now being leased by the Church of Scientology.
Hartholt visited the property on Sept. 4 after he received complaints about activity there.
“We’re just waiting for the ‘lessees’ to pull together what they intend to use the building for,” said Hartholt.
“Both myself, the building department, and the fire department were out there so we’re kind of letting them put it on paper first and then we’re going to come back to them with what they need to do in moving forward, if anything.”
Sarah Wilhelm, senior planner for Wellington County, said she could not say yet if the Church of Scientology is a permitted use under the property’s current zoning, which allows religious institutions.
She did provide the definition of a religious institution for the Town of Erin: “a church, a church hall, a rectory, manse, convent, vicarage, deanery or clergy house but shall not include a school, college, hospital, clinic, nursing or rest home.”
A zoning amendment for the property was approved without comment on Aug. 12, 2014 by the previous Erin council, said Hartholt.
The Church of Scientology website states Continental Liaison Offices “serve to support the actions of local churches, missions and groups in their respective areas and serve as a coordinating and rallying point for all Scientology activities associated with those churches.
“They also see to the well-being of organizations and groups in their zones. In this way, the activities of churches, missions, field auditors and other related groups integrate and ultimately result in spiritual advancement for all Scientologists in their continental region.”
Calls to the church were not answered by press time.
