Central Park Boulevard has seen its share of beggars, vagabonds, and hippies, but last Friday evening the already storied Stapleton street saw its first lady of the night. “I was headed home from a late dinner about 9:00, when I saw a lady walking on Central Park Boulevard close to the corner of 23rd and CPB,” said resident Chris Noelting. “It was almost like they were looking for a ride. But, as I got closer, I saw the high heels and the tight skirt. In fact, I even saw the car behind me slow down and stop and talk to her. I’m sure it’s because they thought she needed directions.”
According to records kept by SUN and the MCA, this is the first prostitute sighting on Stapleton grounds. “Of course we get all sorts of reports about different issues and potential issues in Stapleton,” said MCA President Liza Kampstra. “But this is the first documented case of someone believing they saw a prostitute.” SUN President Mike Victoria concurs. “Yeah, we haven’t had that one yet,” said Victoria. “We have had reports of almost everything else, but this is definitely a first.” The community leaders say there is nothing they really can do at this time, especially since there is a chance it is a one-time incident. “We don’t even let the police know about something like this yet,” said Kampstra. “Hookers may not be good for a community, but they aren’t immediately dangerous. We document it, and tell community members to let us know if they see other people who may be street walkers.”
The first sighting has many residents concerned. “It’s not so much the hookers themselves,” says resident Laura May. “It’s the type of clientele who may be heading to Stapleton to seek their services. Drug dealers, gang members, businessmen from other communities, these are the types of people we want to keep out.” Resident Liam Myerholz agrees, but understands keeping the world’s oldest profession out of Stapleton could prove difficult. “I mean, prostitution is everywhere,” said Myerholz. “Are we so naïve that we think we can keep it out of Stapleton? I guess the one thing you can say is at least they are working for it, unlike the beggars and panhandlers.” SUN President Victoria says residents who see a potential street walker should notify the MCA and SUN. “Under no circumstances should people approach them. Well, I guess there are some circumstances as to when you would approach them.” ]]>