Part 3/11:
Despite an official evaluation rating the property's potential at only 54 out of 100 points—citing poor access to schools, jobs, and grocery stores—the HHA proceeded to buy the church outright, paying nearly $5 million more than Synagal’s purchase price. An investigation revealed that three companies owned by Sagal profited approximately $3.3 million from the deal, raising questions about undervaluing assets and possibly kickback schemes.
An additional blight was discovered: Sagal owed $132,000 in unpaid taxes at the time of the sale. Paradoxically, Houston declared October 5th as "Sagal Empowerment Day," celebrating him amidst controversy.