In 1989, Galdo bought his home on Front Street near Lee and started sprucing up the eyesore across the street. The city had condemned the property in 1974 to temporarily reroute the Market-Frankford Line, since the construction of I-95 interfered with the tracks. Galdo contends the city hasn't used the property since 1976. His presence on the lot grew — until 2013, when the city posted a notice warning him that his use of the lot was unauthorized.