Zohran Mamdani states plans to make his home in historic Gracie Mansion
The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.
An Iconic Home
Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.
However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.
"The choice was based on our family's safety and the imperative to directing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.
A Fond Farewell
He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.
"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.
"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live inside me and my work," he affirmed.
Political Debate
In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.
Yet his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he hails from a well-known family.
Not All Mayors Stayed
Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.
In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.
A Stately Residence
When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria digs.
Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.
Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.
The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.
Supernatural Speculation
Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.
Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."
Affordable Housing Lifeline
Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.
New Yorkers see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.
Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.
According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.
