Trip #59 Tell Street, Spring Garden, Pittsburgh took place on October 15, 2017, and was published on November 17, 2017.
Sprinkles of rain are coming down, and the District Council Representative (appointed, not elected) of Tell Street is standing guard, watching me with half-closed eyes. Upon my arrival at the bottom of the flight, I’m asked the standard questions one would expect to be asked of an unknown visitor, an outsider, an interloper. Curiosity expressed about the contents of my bag. Fears voiced regarding the loud noises made by the Polaroid camera. Obsessive attention is given to the pen in my hand. Ultimately, all of the issues raised by the District Council Representative (appointed, not elected) were satisfied by a “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” mutual understanding.
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That’s how it works when you’re the District Council Representative (appointed, not elected) of Tell Street. When you come to visit, be sure to bring cat treats but leave the catnip at home. Possession of even one ounce is an offense punishable by a fine of $25!
Field Notes: The friendliest cat approached me as I stopped to take photos and write. Needless to say, the “Mayor of Tell Street” now has a story and photo-documenting their assistance. 🙂
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!!
