On the wild West side of Manhattan lies the
Meatpacking District of New York, nestled in the 6 square blocks below
14th Street, right beside the Hudson River. For decades, The Meatpacking
District was the industrial center for the processing of meats for New
York. Now, it seems economic pressures are squeezing out the meatpacking
industry, and standing in its place are hip cafes and bars, designer
stores and sleek hotels.
The Meatpacking District has quickly become
one of the most decadent locations for nightlife in New York City, and
part of the attraction is the gritty, wild side to the neighborhood,
because of the very industry that gave the district its name. In the
face of this change, local residents and long-time workers are currently
renegotiating their role and place in the District. This piece is a
kind of snapshot of a colorful Manhattan community in a state of flux.
The Prime Cut is a radio narrative woven
from the tales of locals who have a personal association with the neighborhood.
When combined, these tales tell a really powerful story. A story that
resonates with anyone who has experienced change to a place that was
important to them. In this way, The Prime Cut represents a universal
experience. We all have places that are meaningful to us, places with
which we closely identify. These places are storehouses of memory and
history. These are the places that shape us.