Trip #229 Behring Street, Southside Slopes, Pittsburgh took place on December 13, 2018, and was published on December 28, 2018.
Considering the weather conditions, it’s safe to assume the potted cactus at the bottom of the stairs is dead. Very dead. The once full and firm stem is shriveled like an old vegetable trapped in the back of a refrigerator (an ancient green pepper comes to mind). At the other end of the stairway, a cat appears, and it is not pleased by my trespass. I don’t belong on this quiet, wooden flight that provides access to these stair-bound orphaned houses. Unlike the cactus, kitty is robust and thick — a solid feline that is likely cute and cuddly one moment and an evil clawed monster the next. I decide not to try her patience, and with head bowed and eyes averted, I make my way up and out. Unlike the cactus, creatures native to an area have a better chance for survival, and as long as Ms. Kitty stays on the stairway and away from Arlington Avenue she will as well.
Field Notes: A wooden flight that provides access to a few “orphan” houses that are in good shape and occupied. Does not connect to the road below.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling. If the location has an abundance of illegal dumping and trash, also contact Allegheny Cleanways, letting them know the location and the nature of the garbage. Thank you!!
