But people have re-invested in Lawrenceville and for several years now, it has had a rebirth. People investing in their neighborhoods or strangers coming in and investing in the neighborhood is good. Pittsburghers know how to do that.
As I was making my way back up to the main street, as the river walk will be for another time, I journeyed through a new apartment complex. I have seen the progress of it because from my seat on the bus, I have watched. For the last few summers I have vacationed in this part of Pittsburgh- which I mean sincerely.
I met Janet and her dog Nellie. We came close enough in contact to exchange greetings. Then I said I liked the stone fence and took a picture of it. She took a seat near where I was standing and started talking. I learned several things about the section of Pittsburgh in the 10 minute conversation. The section is called Arsenal and with good reason. She told me when they were building the complex in which we were standing, they found canon balls in the ground. Pittsburgh is surrounded by rivers. It would make sense that during the wars it be would be a site for all sorts of manufacturing.
A high school is across the street. The first floor of the building in front of which we were standing remains empty. A brewery type establishment was to be licensed to operate in it. But, the neighbors got together to fight it because the high school was across the street. For a variety of reasons, the idea was not a good one. I hope something opens in the space for all to enjoy.
Some of the old industrial buildings are being re-purposed. Janet said around the corner from where we were standing is a high tech business. Janet pointed to where Uber has a presence in Lawrenceville. - in the Arsenal section. Small eating establishments, small stores like antique shops (met the owner of one tonight- we talked!) and dress shops make up a huge part of the area. There is new construction for the Fransicans' order. Several tatoo parlors will paint your arms and what ever else. Bowling has not gone out of style here. Carnegie Mellon University, which has its main campus in Oakland, also has a part to play in the revitalization of the area.
Janet was born and raised in Lawrenceville. I told her I love the section of Pittsburgh and enjoy coming every summer to live. As we discussed different topics related to the neighborhood, Nellie sat and listened. I bet she would have a thing or two to say too if she could speak.
I told Janet that I always wanted to see Paris. In a local book store here in Lawrenceville, I found a book titled, Pittsburgh, Paris of Appalachia. I live in Paris. So does she!
My first summer in Pittsburgh, my daughter and I watched the fireworks at Arsenal Park- food was involved!!
Janet, with Nellie, and I with my bag of treats for the main dinner course, went in separate directions as our conversation ended. My life is a little richer after having met Janet and Nellie.
Marian R. Carlino
August 26, 2018
