🔗 Share this article

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.