Trip #264 Salisbury Street to Commanche Way, Southside Slopes took place on March 15, 2019, and was published on March 22, 2019.
Someone recently cut down several branches of a tree bordering the stairs, and I look at the pieces scattered on the hillside. Underneath the freshly felled bits are the remains of wood cut many years ago, their inner cores decaying due to insects, mold spores, and the ever-changing weather. As I move in for a closer investigation, I cross an unmarked boundary, and a dog starts barking. This first responder is soon joined by another, and then another until a symphony of canine alarm systems surrounds me, the sharp sounds of warning bouncing off the hillside and echoing all around. I decide to make a hasty exit – grabbing a quick photo and stepping down and away. By the time I get down the street to my car, all is quiet again.
Field Notes: This is part of the Clover Street stairs that connects Salisbury Street to Commanche Way – the other section is Trip #223.
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!!
