Trip #230 Brosville Street, Southside Slopes, Pittsburgh took place on December 13, 2018, and was published on January 2, 2019.
“On half for you and one half for your sister,” my mother would say. When you’re a child, fairness is so important, but as we grow older, the action of “being fair” becomes contorted, confused, and re-examined. Life is no longer as simple as splitting a piece of cake down the middle. Sometimes, we want more than our share. Sometimes, we’d gladly give up our share. And other times, what should be our share is taken away or worse yet, never even offered. When I was a kid, it felt like fairness could be achieved, but perhaps it was because my needs, wants, and desires were so very simple and concrete. In this grown-up world, it often feels like we’ve lost our memories of playground rules and how it’s not only possible but for the best if everyone gets a bit of cake and a turn going down the slide.
Field Notes: With a very neat divide, the railing runs through the middle of the sidewalk, kind of like a street. Does anyone care which side they walk on anymore? The only place I’ve seen a stairway designed this way is here on Brosville Street!
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!!
