Author Topic: Miller Newton's "Church"  (Read 11327 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #15 on: January 12, 2005, 07:34:00 AM »
Please check your private messages on this forum.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #16 on: January 12, 2005, 07:35:00 AM »
Quote
On 2005-01-10 15:10:00, RuthieGix wrote:

"Hi, I'm one of Miller Newton's neighbors. His "church" is located at 13280 4th Street East, Maderia Beach. He lives right across the street at 13253 Boca Ciega Ave. He's applied for special exception for his "church", called Christ at the Sea Foundation, Inc. We're attending the council meeting tonight (1/10) to fight this outrage. Neighbors have signed petitions to stop him."


PLEASE CHECK YOUR PRIVATE MESSAGES.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #17 on: January 12, 2005, 10:09:00 AM »
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/12/Neigh ... oves.shtml

Church question moves toward a new ruling
Madeira Beach's special master will hear testimony Jan. 24 about Dr. Miller Newton's bid for a zoning exception.
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published January 12, 2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MADEIRA BEACH - It's a zoning dilemma, fraught with emotions, questions of religious freedom, and revival of past controversies and court fights over alleged abuse in drug treatment programs.

An angst-ridden Planning Commission, who listened to hours of testimony Monday night, could not agree on whether to recommend either approval or denial of the creation of a new church in the city.

"If it turns out a church is a legal, appropriate use and we go with what the citizens want and deny this, are we prepared (to go to court)?" planning commissioner George Gonzalez said.

Now the city's special master must decide whether a controversial personal and legal history trumps a possible constitutional right of religious expression.

Dr. Miller Newton, who is trying to get a special use permit for a "private chapel" at two homes here, says he may take the city to court if it blocks his request.

"We are dealing with a constitutional issue regarding religion," says Newton, who said he is "doing my best to be a good neighbor."

But Newton's neighbors, who repeatedly cited his controversial involvement with two drug treatment programs, Straight Inc. and Kids Centers of America, say they don't "trust" Newton because of his past. They are organizing to oppose Newton's "church."

Resident Marsha Loper told the commission that Newton had previously "misled" the neighbors about the property's use.

"There is a history of not exactly doing what the verbal intent was, so how do we know what they will be doing?" resident Ann Bunting asked.

Resident Byron Holsombach worried that the creation of a church would adversely affect the neighborhood's property values.

"There is a great uneasiness in the neighborhood," resident Dallas Holtman said. "Dr. Newton has a highly controversial past. He brings a lot of baggage to the table."

The city's switchboard busily fielded calls Tuesday from people throughout the state who claim they were abused in Newton's drug programs. They say they are coming here to fight Newton's attempt to legalize the religious activities at the two properties.

Newton acknowledged his controversial history, but insisted it should have no bearing on his application for a special exception to the city's zoning codes.

Newton is a longtime Madeira Beach resident. In 1988 he lost his bid for mayor by only 30 votes. Previously he had run unsuccessfully for Congress. Newton also served on the city's Board of Adjustment from 1982 to 1997, including several terms as chairman and vice chairman.

But it is his history with the Straight drug program, and later at the Kids Centers, that draws the most controversy. Several successful lawsuits were filed in 1983 against the Straight program charging that former clients were abused or held against their will.

Newton left the program that same year to start a similar program in New Jersey with affiliated programs in Texas, Utah and California, where similar complaints and investigations subsequently occurred.

In 2000, Newton's program and others settled a $4.5-million suit filed by a former client. An additional $6.5-million was awarded to former clients in 2003. He said the lawsuit was filed against the program and some associated psychiatrists and not him personally. It was the program's insurance company and the malpractice insurance firm for the doctors who settled, Newton said.

"Yes, the Straight program was controversial, but I really have trouble with this becoming an issue. I am not doing treatment anymore. I am living a very quiet religious life," Newton said. "It's unfair to bring it up."

The city's special master, Judge Herbert Langford Jr., will now try to resolve the issue at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at City Hall when he reviews Newton's request to formally allow religious activities, begun several years ago, to continue in a recreation room adjoining two residences owned by Newton's Christ at the Sea Foundation. The properties are at 13280 Fourth St. E.

Newton, who says he is now a priest in the Orthodox Church of Antioch, set up the foundation to own and operate the properties as a residence and prayer center for members of the church.

The recreation room, built in the late '90s with full permitting and approval of the city, has been operating since then as a private chapel.

But it was not until Newton recently put a cupola and cross on the top of the recreation building that residents began complaining and raised the zoning issue. Newton, who says he was told by the county that he could install the cupola without a permit, has been cited for a code violation by the city.

That action triggered the investigation of the religious activities at the site.

Now the city's attorney says because prayer services are the "primary" activity conducted in the recreation room, the site is a "church" and must have a special exception permit under the city's zoning regulations.

The special master will consider 10 "factors" in deciding whether to grant a special exception. Those factors include such things as protection of public health, safety and welfare, compatibility with the neighborhood's character, and the adequacy of landscaping and parking.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #18 on: January 12, 2005, 10:27:00 AM »
Quote
Resident Marsha Loper told the commission that Newton had previously "misled" the neighbors about the property's use.

"There is a history of not exactly doing what the verbal intent was, so how do we know what they will be doing?" resident Ann Bunting asked.


To The Neighbors:

First, thank God you guys are doing something about this.  If we can be of any help, PLEASE let us know.  

Second, you have no idea how true the above statement is.  That's part of this guy's M.O.  This guy is the stuff that nightmares are made of.  Someone else brought up the point of picketing.  I have no doubt that if he is allowed to have his "church" that there will be pickets.  He should NEVER be allowed to minister to ANYONE.  What is it with this guy???  He says he wants to lead a quiet life.  Why does it have to include having an influence over other people's lives??   Fucking narcissist.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #19 on: January 12, 2005, 10:35:00 AM »
:smile:

Thank you for posting that.

I called the city, talked to a nice lady there (Paula). She told me that indeed the public hearing regarding this matter would be on the 24th. She said the meeting starts at 7pm and said that "proper decorum" is required. She said that "cell phones must be shut off", so general good conduct & courtesy must be exercised, which of course goes without saying if you plan to attend.

Just passing along the message..

Thanks again for the post of the SPTimes article..
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #20 on: January 12, 2005, 10:50:00 AM »
Mayor:
727-391-9951 X Ruth on 231

City Mgr:
jsilverboard@ci.madiera-beach.fl.us
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #21 on: January 12, 2005, 12:28:00 PM »
PLEASE someone nab and post a pic of him.  
There hasn't been a picture of the guy since court.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #22 on: January 12, 2005, 12:39:00 PM »
Quote
On 2005-01-12 09:28:00, Anonymous wrote:

"PLEASE someone nab and post a pic of him.  

There hasn't been a picture of the guy since court."


Working on it.  I'll at least have pics of the church.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #23 on: January 12, 2005, 02:25:00 PM »
Correction on email addresses:

Mayor Charles Parker
jsilverboard@ci.madeira-beach.fl.us
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #24 on: January 12, 2005, 03:00:00 PM »
Quote
On 2005-01-12 07:09:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Yes, the Straight program was controversial, but I really have trouble with this becoming an issue. I am not doing treatment anymore. I am living a very quiet religious life," Newton said. "It's unfair to bring it up."




Awwww, so it's just not fair to bring up Newton's past. Did you see that, guys?!! He doesn't think it's FAIR to rub his nose in HIS PAST. Gee, didn't he program us to do precisely that to each other every single day??!!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #25 on: January 12, 2005, 03:57:00 PM »
yes, are demons unfair? depends on whose side they are on
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #26 on: January 12, 2005, 04:10:00 PM »
Quote
On 2005-01-12 09:28:00, Anonymous wrote:

"PLEASE someone nab and post a pic of him.  

There hasn't been a picture of the guy since court."


I've seen him fairly recently.  He looks the same save for a little more grey.  Remember that big vein in the middle of his head that would pop out at you like a third eye when he was yelling at you?  Well, funny thing.  It does the same thing when you yell at him[/b].  There were three of us that saw it the last time it happened.  Wish you ALL could have been there to see it.  I bet it was bulging big time at the meeting the other night.  You know how he hates to have anyone dare[/b] question the great and powerful Newt!! :lol:  :lol:
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #27 on: January 12, 2005, 07:42:00 PM »
SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA, the author of the St. Pete Times article.  Her email is:

sheila.estrada@knology.net
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline whiterabbit

  • Posts: 116
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #28 on: January 12, 2005, 09:08:00 PM »
POOOR Mister, Doctor, Father Miller Virgil Cassius Newton. It's so mean to bring up his past. It hurts his wittle feewings.Him says its not faiir :cry2:

He should take his own advice:

GET HONEST!!This is the first and most important rule

You think you have problems?You think  this is a problem? This is not a problem. Peanut butter and jelly is not a problem. No air conditioning is not a problem.Having no arms and legs now that's a problem!

Get honest about your past!

Why don't you tell the group about your past

You're full of shit. Have a seat.

You're a disgusting little druggie. Your mind is full of filth and we are going to clean it.


I think he should be started over day one. And put on peanut butter and jelly.

Monster.

Here's freedom to him who would read;
 
Here's freedom to him who would write;

None ever feared that the truth should be heard,

But them that the truth would indict.


--author unknown (circa 1914)

« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
traight Incorporated is a disease

Offline Anonymous

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 164653
  • Karma: +3/-4
    • View Profile
Miller Newton's "Church"
« Reply #29 on: January 12, 2005, 09:39:00 PM »
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »