🔗 Share this article

The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, did not confirm this decision right away after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change there, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.