Zohran Mamdani states his intention to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion
The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.
A Historic Residence
Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.
However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.
"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.
Thanking a Neighborhood
His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.
"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.
"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.
Campaign Controversy
During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.
But his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he hails from a famous family.
Previous Exceptions
Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.
In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.
A Grand New Home
Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.
With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.
Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.
The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.
Ghostly Tales
Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.
Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.
Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."
Affordable Housing Lifeline
His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.
New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.
Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.
According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.
