🔗 Share this article

NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.