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Depends on what your definition of community is…
by Mountain Girl ~ July 25th, 2008. Filed under: Development, MWCDC, The View.I saw a letter to the editor printed in Tuesday’s Post-Gazette referencing a letter printed back in June (they are included below) and it struck me because both people–one from Mt. Washington and one from somewhere else–were commenting on the sad state of Grandview Avenue.
I want to believe that there is a way to marry our respect for the environment and desire to make Mt. Washington an economically viable neighborhood. Whenever and however this happens, it should not be based on who speaks with developers, architects and government officials more often or who is the loudest with their protestations.
It’s obvious there are concerned people from Republic to Wyoming and everywhere in between, but not everyone is available for all of the meetings that take place to determine the outcome of this and other debates in Mt. Washington. Some of us work at night, making attending MWCDC meetings difficult, and some work during the daytime hours when others are getting face-time with City Council members.
True communities are built on relationships, but who says those relationships always have to include niceties and handshakes or on the flip side of that, name-calling and scuffling? It’s ideal to connect a face with a name, but should the people that aren’t able to do that on a regular basis not be heard as loudly as those that can? There are other mediums these days <insert shameless plug for this blog> that people can and do use to express their opinions and concerns. Perhaps the old way of doing things isn’t the best way. Is there a productive way to meld the old and the new? Everything else is evolving with technology. Why can’t we? Discuss.
June 24, 2008
Not so grand
Have you taken a walk on Grandview Avenue lately? Well, I have and let me tell you that the once beautiful view you used to be able to enjoy is gone.
The city has let the overgrowth of weeds and trees block the view of Downtown, which is disappointing. Most people who come to the city for the first time take the incline up to Grandview Avenue to look at the view of our great city.
In most spots along the walkway, though, all you can see are trees. I am not saying we should cut down all the trees on the hillside, but with a little time and effort you can bring the view back to Grandview Avenue.
I hope the right person reads this letter and does something about our city’s little problem.
TOM SHEA
Mount Washington
July 23, 2008
A weedy welcome
Truer words were never spoken than in a letter from a person who lives in Mount Washington regarding Grandview Avenue (“Not So Grand,” June 24).
Recently, I had out-of-state guests whom I took to the incline to see the city. I was very proud of the original condition of the “cars,” including the wood, floors, landing and all the information provided with pictures from the past. The observation deck was spotless, well-kept and painted. It was great.
When we stepped out on Grandview and walked, looking for a nice restaurant, my mouth dropped. It looked like a forgotten place with overgrown weeds as high as a fence all the way down until another building, then the same over again.
The people who live in the high-priced apartments with scenic views have nothing once they go out of their buildings.
The next time I go with guests, I will go up the incline and straight back down because that was the part I was really proud of.
Let’s “redd up” Grandview so we can not only look down at the view, but also look up and be proud.
JANET TRAUTMAN
Elliott
August 8th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
The next time you bring up guests, take them up the Mon Incline instead. The incline space on top is completely refurbished and has bay windows for looking out at the view as well as historic photos and explanations of the workings of the incline.
When you step out onto Grandview, the newly renovated observation decks are just a short walk away. And if you’re looking around for a good restaurant . . . stroll down Shiloh to Redbeard’s where you can enjoy a reasonably priced sandwich-and-a-beer and in the summer sit out on the patio. Other than the Coal Hill Saloon, your choices up at the other incline are all 4-star and 5-star dining. (Of course, maybe that’s what you originally had in mind.)
After your meal at Redbeard’s. . . stop across the street for an ice cream cone . . . and top off the evening sitting outside the Grand Brew sipping coffee. Then back down to Station Square and your vehicle.
How does that sound?
August 8th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
ssb70:
No one is saying that there aren’t lovely places on Shiloh (Shiloh Grille, Redbeard’s, Grand Brew) or even back further (La Tavola). But there are also weeds, cracked sidewalks and empty storefronts in an area that tourists frequent. People visiting an attraction expect certain things: restrooms, retail and restaurants and if you underwhelm them, then that’s what they’ll remember.
MG
August 11th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Yes, MG, I understand. But I was just suggesting it to that woman from Elliott as an alternative to the Duquesne Incline. Once you look at the view over there in Duquesne Heights, what is there to do? Have a very expensive dinner at a five-star restaurant — that’s about it. Is there signage at the Duq. Incline pointing people down to the statue? Back in the day, there was a place called Mahoney’s across the street from that incline. Too bad it’s not still there.
I ride the Mon Incline frequently, and people often ask me about a place to grab a quick lunch, a cup of coffee, etc. and I’m happy I have something to tell them. I would hope they would forgive a crack or two in the sidewalk.