Trip #33 Hancock Street, Polish Hill, Pittsburgh took place on September 10, 2017, and was published on September 18, 2017.
Cars are streaming down Herron, and the sounds of music, motors, and mufflers are annoying me. There’s a pain in my neck from sleeping in a bad position. Hunger is setting in, and the concrete step makes for an uncomfortable seat. But it’s more than the external; I’m feeling uncomfortable on the inside, too. Sometimes, it’s just so hard to keep a positive mindset. Sometimes, like now, I just want to bitch and complain and air all the dirty laundry. I really really really want to do that, but I know it’s a slippery slope. It starts off all good and fun, but before you know it, you’re wrapped up in frustration and rage and sadness and irritation and… it just gets too icky too fast. No. Can’t go there. Won’t go there. I notice the word “Reacto” graffitied on the rail. React. Act. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m getting my ass off this step and going home.
Field Notes: It’s good to see that the city is taking care of all the Polish Hill stairs. The Hancock Street flight between Bigelow and Herron (across from the senior apartments) is very clean and clear. It’s great for pedestrians but all this grey and brown leaves me wanting some of Homewood greenery!
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!!
