🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor affirms his intention to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign. A Historic Residence Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period. However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, did not confirm he would live there immediately after his victory in November. "My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining. "To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted. "Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added. Political Debate Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements. Yet his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he hails from a famous family. Previous Exceptions Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs. Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River. Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era. The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily. Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year. Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford. Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.