Trip #589 East Cherryhill Street, Carrick, Pittsburgh took place on May 20, 2021, and was published on May 24, 2021.
The sidewalk steps are in good shape at the top, acceptable condition at the bottom, and a chewed-up, knocked-around mess in the middle. They wouldn’t pose a problem to a person with full mobility, but its uncertain terrain explains why the two women approaching me have chosen to walk the steep grade of the street. One is young, but the other is much older and extends a white cane a few feet ahead. Their body language and conversation show their familiarity and closeness, and I assume they’re headed to the bus stop on Brownsville Road. They’re not quite to the top when the younger woman shouts in exclamation and dashes down the block to a car parked near the corner. The older woman stays put, holding on to the battered railing, but the two continue talking and laughing despite this sudden disruption. Their voices grow louder and stronger to cover the distance until they are reunited and continue their slow and steady journey side by side. I think to myself, this is what love looks like.
Field Notes: This block is super steep but the stairs aren’t in great shape in the middle portion (right by an empty house with lots of trash and weeds in front). However, the top is well cared for. I 311’d the issue through the MyBurgh phone app so at least they know about the problem. I found a penny after making the report, so maybe that will help! 😉
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
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.
