The Mayor-Elect confirms plans to live in the storied Gracie Mansion

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly following his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the need to directing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.