🔗 Share this article

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

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

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his previous Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

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

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.