Trip #28 Brereton Street to Paulowna Street, Polish Hill, Pittsburgh took place on August 20, 2017, and was published on September 6, 2017.
Waddle waddle up the stairs, little bandit eyes peering from below the sign, “I live down here.”
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Yes, yes I do.
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And yes, if you don’t read the writing on the wall, I will waddle waddle down the stairs, sneaking up behind you and your friend while you sit chatting unawares. I will whap you on the back with my little furry hand. Yes, I will do that, yes I will, and then your friend will scream, and you will scream, and you both will flee down the stairs and not return.
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You can pass through, that is true. You can have a late-night party in the old courtyard and leave snacks for me too. But the stairs are mine. I live here. I live here now.
Field Notes: This stairway runs from the alley between the church and the Polish Hill Civic Assoc. building, through the Phelan Alley and up through the back and side of the old school. Other than people hanging out to drink, it appears the resident raccoon is the only creature making use of this space.
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!!
