🔗 Share this article

The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, did not confirm this decision right away following his victory in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.