Guide to Ridgewood: From rural farmland to a gentrified neighborhood – qns.com

Report on the Historical Development of Ridgewood, Queens, in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report analyzes the historical evolution of the Ridgewood neighborhood in Queens, New York. The community’s transformation from agrarian land to a dense urban center provides a case study for examining key principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including sustainable cities, economic growth, social equity, and environmental preservation.

Historical Trajectory and Sustainable Development

Phase 1: Agrarian Foundations and Food Security (SDG 2, SDG 10)

The history of Ridgewood is rooted in agriculture, serving as a primary source of crops for the burgeoning markets of Brooklyn and Manhattan. This early function directly aligns with the principles of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by contributing to regional food security and sustainable food production systems.

• The area was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape people before European settlement in the 17th century established a long-standing agricultural economy.
• The legacy of this agricultural past was acknowledged in May 2016, when the “March for Farmworker Justice” stopped in the neighborhood. This event highlights the ongoing relevance of agricultural labor rights, connecting the area’s history to modern efforts to achieve SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) for agricultural workers.

Phase 2: Urbanization, Industrialization, and Economic Growth (SDG 8, SDG 11)

The early 20th century marked a significant shift towards urbanization and industrialization, reflecting key aspects of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

1. Housing and Infrastructure: Two major building booms, particularly from 1905 to 1915, accommodated a growing immigrant population from Germany, Italy, and Eastern Europe. The development of row houses and public transportation created the infrastructure for a dense, accessible urban community.
2. Economic Development and Transition: The rise of factories, mills, and breweries fueled local economic growth. However, the later closure of these industries as businesses relocated presented economic challenges. In recent decades, a new economic phase has emerged, with former industrial properties being converted into artist lofts and apartments. This revitalization, driven by new residents and small businesses, demonstrates a modern cycle of economic adaptation in pursuit of SDG 8.

Phase 3: Social Cohesion, Justice, and Institutional Identity (SDG 10, SDG 16)

Ridgewood’s history includes periods of significant social and political tension, followed by community-led efforts to forge a stable and inclusive identity, aligning with the aims of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• Historical Conflict: In the 1930s, the community experienced civil unrest, including riots between Nazi sympathizers and anti-fascist groups. These events underscore the historical challenges to maintaining peace and social inclusion.
• Community-Led Governance: In response to negative perceptions following the 1977 blackout, residents successfully petitioned to change their ZIP code from Brooklyn to Queens in 1980. This initiative represents a powerful example of civic action to strengthen community identity and institutions, a core target of SDG 16.

Phase 4: Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (SDG 11, SDG 15)

Contemporary Ridgewood demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving its unique heritage, a crucial component of creating sustainable and resilient communities as outlined in SDG 11.4 (Protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage).

1. Cultural and Architectural Preservation: The designation of ten national historic districts protects the architectural character of the neighborhood. Furthermore, the restoration of the Vander-Ende Onderdonk House, a Dutch colonial farmhouse, by the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society serves as a landmark achievement in safeguarding cultural heritage.
2. Natural Heritage and Biodiversity: The transformation of the decommissioned Ridgewood Reservoir into a lush forest is a significant environmental success. This naturalization process has created a vital habitat for over 150 bird species, directly contributing to SDG 15 (Life on Land) while providing an essential green public space for the community, a key goal of SDG 11.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The text details the historical transformation of Ridgewood from rural farmland to a dense urban neighborhood, covering aspects like housing development, public transportation, the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and the evolution of the community’s identity.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article touches upon the economic evolution of Ridgewood. It describes the shift from an agricultural economy to an industrial one with factories and mills, followed by a period of de-industrialization, and finally, a modern revitalization driven by young professionals opening new small businesses like cafes and workspaces.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This goal is addressed through the description of the Ridgewood Reservoir. The article explains how a decommissioned piece of urban infrastructure was transformed into a “lush and dense forest,” becoming a vital natural habitat for “more than 150 species of birds,” directly relating to the protection of biodiversity in an urban setting.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article connects to this goal in two ways. First, it recounts a history of social conflict and violence, specifically the “brawls and riots” between Nazi sympathizers and anti-fascist groups in the 1930s. Second, it highlights successful civic participation and responsive governance through the story of residents successfully petitioning to change their ZIP code in 1980.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article makes a historical connection to this goal by explaining that for centuries, Ridgewood was “primarily farmland, used to supply crops to markets in nearby Brooklyn and Manhattan.” This describes the fundamental role of the area in the regional food supply system of the past.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

   This target is directly supported by multiple examples. The article explicitly mentions the establishment of “10 national historic districts,” the preservation and restoration of the Vander-Ende Onderdonk House as a museum by the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, and the protection of the Ridgewood Reservoir, which was “listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018” and has become a natural forest.

2. Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing

   The article discusses various phases of housing development, from the “construction of thousands of row houses” to accommodate immigrants to the recent trend of converting old factories into “artist lofts and other apartments.” It notes that new residents are drawn to the area “in search of more affordable housing,” linking directly to the theme of housing accessibility in a major city.

3. Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation

   The recent history of Ridgewood reflects this target. The article states that a “new generation of residents” who are “young professionals” have “opened up new cafes, workspaces and other businesses across town, bringing new life to the local economy.” This points to a rise in local entrepreneurship and economic revitalization.

4. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

   The transformation of the decommissioned Ridgewood Reservoir into a forest habitat is a clear example related to this target. By becoming a home to “more than 150 species of birds,” the area serves as a sanctuary for biodiversity within an urban environment, halting habitat degradation and fostering wildlife.

5. Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels

   The successful campaign to change Ridgewood’s ZIP code in 1980 is a direct illustration of this target. The article describes how U.S. Representative Geraldine Ferraro’s office “distributed ballots” and secured support from “93% of the collected ballots,” demonstrating a responsive and participatory process that reflected the will of the residents.

6. Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas

   The article’s description of Ridgewood’s early history as farmland that supplied “crops to markets in nearby Brooklyn and Manhattan” directly addresses the historical economic links between a then-rural area and its neighboring urban centers.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for Target 11.4 (Heritage Protection)

  The article provides quantifiable data that can serve as indicators. These include the number of designated historic districts (10) and the number of protected cultural and natural sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places (the 10 districts and the Ridgewood Reservoir). The existence of a functioning historical museum (the Onderdonk House) is another qualitative indicator.

• Indicators for Target 15.5 (Biodiversity)

  A specific indicator of biodiversity is mentioned: the number of bird species present in the Ridgewood Reservoir habitat (“more than 150 species”). This provides a direct measure of the ecological health of this urban green space.

• Indicators for Target 16.7 (Participatory Decision-Making)

  The article implies an indicator for civic participation and government responsiveness with the statistic from the ZIP code campaign: the proportion of the population participating in a local governance decision (93% of returned ballots were in favor).

• Indicators for Target 8.3 (Entrepreneurship)

  While not providing a specific number, the article implies an indicator through its description of economic change: the emergence of new types of small businesses (cafes, workspaces) started by new residents, which contributes to local economic vibrancy.

• Indicators for Target 11.1 (Housing)

  An implied indicator is the rate of conversion of industrial or commercial buildings into residential units. The article notes that “many of these properties were converted over the years into artist lofts and other apartments,” suggesting this as a measurable trend in housing supply.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: qns.com