Slumlord gives Port Richmond a splitting headache

"All I wanted was my home the way it was before," Jeanne Dacenzo said.

The Dacenzos combed through court records and researched Coyle's empire. They wrote him certified letters, then, without a lawyer, filed suit against him in small claims court.

"I don't think he expected us to keep going," she said.

They went to court four times, taking time away from work, and in June 2008 won a judgment of $3,547.57.

Coyle appealed the case. The Dacenzos backed down, fearing they wouldn't be able to match Coyle's money and legal muscle.

Rep. Taylor's efforts and the mobilization of angry residents has had frustratingly little impact. There are even more abandoned or blighted houses since their fight began in 2002. Trash litters sidewalks and vacant lots; graffiti is etched on walls.

The residents' commitment and rage have been no match for an adversary with enormous financial resources and property-ownership laws on his side. Many complain that city government has failed them. Now their only hope is justice.

"We can't get our neighborhood back," Jeanne Dacenzo said. "It's slumlords like [Coyle] that brought it down. Now I want to see him brought down and go to jail."

"I'd like to take off work when he gets charged. I'd like to be there for my satisfaction," she continued.

"I hope they put him in jail with someone he rented to."