The Mayor-Elect confirms he will make his home in historic Gracie Mansion

NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, did not confirm this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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