🔗 Share this article

NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

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

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