🔗 Share this article

The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

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

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.