Trip #400 Bly Street, Spring Hill-City View, Pittsburgh took place on January 25, 2020, and was published on February 14, 2020.
Forrest Gump may be responsible for people believing that “life is like a box of chocolates” (because you never know what you’re going to get), but here on Bly Street, life is like a turtle. Not because people are taking it slow or believe this life necessitates a hard shell, but because forward progress only happens when you’re willing to stick your neck out. You have to be unafraid to take steps forward when others choose to hide inside. A timely and much-appreciated reminder from my 400th set of Pittsburgh city steps. Thank you.
Field Notes: Winter and time have not been good to this little section of Spring Hill-City View but Bly Street looks like a living history museum in progress. It appears that someone is trying to restore the first house in a somewhat authentic/original manner and the three other houses are occupied and being maintained. An overall positive vibe!
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!!
