Anyone that travels down the 900 block of Hutchinson St. in Hunting Park from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on any given day would typically find 54-year-old Maria Coreano on the front steps of her house. Coreano’s stern yet calm facial expression is one of experience. Although on the outside it might not seem like she enjoys seeing strangers walk down her street, Coreano will crack a smile and say hello to anybody that acknowledges her. Coreano moved to this block in 1995 and the only place she has moved since is to literally the house across the street. Sitting outside of her house almost everyday for 14 years has earned her the title of “Block Captain.” “I used to clean up all the trash on this block. Somebody had to do it. Once Beatrice (former block captain) saw me working, she said I should take over for her, and I did,” said Coreano with no regret.New affordable housing was recently built on this block sponsored by the Women’s Community Revitalization Project (W.C.R.P.), so Coreano’s house now stands alone among brand new row homes. “I am not moving, but I am glad this is being done for the kid’s sake. I love kids. They’re the future.” she remarks. Coreano hopes these new houses will bring new neighbors, new block activities such as parties, and a much cleaner environment. “Maybe new people living here will mean less for me to clean, but I do not mind, I just want the children to be happy and have good homes to grow up in,” says Coreano.
The new houses stand out in this community and make it look a lot cleaner and safer for children to play because there is less trash and dirt. If anyone is able to handle the new image of the block, it is Coreano with her same old focused demeanor.
by Andrea DeSabato and Aaron Gottlieb - Hunting Park, group 10
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