🔗 Share this article

New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a place for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.