🔗 Share this article

New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, hesitated to declare this decision promptly following his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside within me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing even though he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.