Trip #385 Burgess Street, Perry South, Pittsburgh took place on December 22, 2019, and was published on January 10, 2020.
Are you a gemstone or a rock? One shimmers with rainbows, the other, opaque with impenetrable solidity. The light of the sun can transform one into the other. And a shadow can do the same. The authentic gem has an internal fire. A flame that shines in spite of the shadow, in spite of the dirt and grime that surrounds it. The rock holds firm against the pressures of a shifting landscape, against decay and defacement it continues. Both are equally valuable and necessary.
Field Notes: These sidewalk stairs along Burgess Street are clear and easy to navigate at the lower portion but overgrown and less cared for near the top. There is a very cool old retaining wall that has great texture!
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!!
