Chapter 12 - MARTIN MASON
Martin resigned from Franklin’s board.
Not because evidence proved he ordered Tyler’s conduct.
It did not.
He resigned because:
conflict of interest,
failure to secure admin credentials,
and messages showing he discussed gym weaknesses with Melissa while negotiations were active.
His company placed him on temporary leave.
Then Rachel learned something she did not expect.
Martin had originally joined Franklin because his father trained there.
He had photographs from the 1980s.
Martin once loved the gym.
Then land values changed.
He began seeing:
square footage,
yield,
rent,
parking ratio.
Rachel met him once after mediation.
He said:
“You think I’m some villain who wants to bulldoze memories.”
Rachel answered:
“No.”
He looked surprised.
“I think you decided memories were worth less than your project.”
He looked away.
Then:
“Do you know how much that property is worth?”
“Yes.”
“Then you understand.”
“No.”
Rachel smiled slightly.
“I understand the number.”
Not the conclusion.
Martin had an argument.
Cities need housing.
Old buildings cost money.
Community organizations can relocate.
All true.
The problem was how his family tried to manufacture urgency through humiliation and deception.
May you like
Redevelopment itself was not evil.
Their tactics were.
