Trip #237 Byron Street, North Oakland/Polish Hill, Pittsburgh took place on January 5, 2019, and was published on January 18, 2019.
There’s artfully designed native plant landscaping in front of the building, but it doesn’t continue when you turn the corner, where the stairs are located. On this side of the building, the landscape could be defined as overgrown with invasive plants asserting their authority. That is, until winter arrives, at which time the knotweed mysteriously disappears leaving nothing but crumbling hollow stalks, masses of disintegrating brown leaves, and exposed burrows nestled along both building and stairway. The “un-landscaping” also reveals more of the graffiti that lines Gold Way, and with its bold lines and bright candy colors, it looks especially vibrant and appealing. Carefully avoiding the burrows, I try to get up close and decipher every bit. I feel like I’ve stumbled upon a spot that is not often seen and infrequently visited – unless you’re a groundhog.
Field Notes: I didn’t even know these stairs are here! Right on the border between North Oakland and Polish Hill – leads from Gold Way down to Melwood Ave. They’re reasonably clear now because of the winter but it looks like they’re all overgrown in the summer.
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!!
