Lower case r regrades

Street Smart Naturalist · Dec 11, 2025 · 7m

Often when I am out on a run, I like to go through alleys instead of sticking to streets. Mostly I do so to see new areas, plus, I always hope that I’ll see something fun or interesting in a backyard. I rarely do. But the other day, I had an epiphany about a topographic feature.

The alley where I ran had a short rise, whereas the streets to the north and south did not. While I cannot prove this, I think the reason why, is that it probably made sense when the streets were platted to regrade the street and not to alter the alley. Having a level spot in front of a house to park would generally…