Fundamentals of Interactive Journalism

Photo: Mike Reicher

Vasantrai Gandhi has sold jewelry for over 30 years from his second-story business on Jackson Height’s 74th Street. From this perch he’s watched climbing commercial rents force long-time merchants to adapt, move or close shop.

Asli Sona Appliances, a store across the street, had been selling watches and toasters for 29 years when its rent became unbearable, said Gandhi. First, the owner, Inder-Mohan Kathuria, subleased counter space to a jeweler. Then, Gandhi said he couldn’t cover the next rent increase, so as of October 1 Kathuria is moving to a smaller, subterranean space down the street.

Gandhi has seen employees, inventory and debt left in the wake of shuttered neighboring stores. He blames a shortage of commercial space and landlords’ raising rent for changing his strip of Jackson Heights.