He asked for a vote.
After several meetings, Graves Energy established a restitution fund equal to the amount the original cooperative had lost in appreciation and opportunity, subject to independent review.
Former tenant families could receive individual payments.
Or they could collectively assign their share toward a new purchase effort.
The choice belonged to them.
That mattered to Claire.
“You didn’t decide for us,” she told Nathaniel.
“I’ve had enough experience deciding things for other people.”
Some former tenants wanted their money.
They had built lives elsewhere.
They were entitled to it.
Others wanted to help 114 Aldridge become resident-owned at last.
Mr. Harris pledged his entire share.
Mrs. Alvarez did the same.
Claire chose half.
“You need the other half,” Mr. Harris told her.
“So does the building.”
Ruby was confused.
“If we use all of it, wouldn’t that help more?”
Claire sat with her at the kitchen table.
