🔗 Share this article

The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, did not confirm this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

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

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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