🔗 Share this article

The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the need to directing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

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

But his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain 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 civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.