New York's next mayor affirms plans to live in the storied Gracie Mansion

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

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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