🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor states plans to reside in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid. A Traditional Abode Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the World War II era. However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his victory in November. "This decision came down to the security of my family and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in a statement. A Fond Farewell Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining. "To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted. "Although my address will change there, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said. Political Debate In his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant. Yet his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he hails from a famous family. A House Not Always Used Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his humble Astoria apartment. Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River. Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era. The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization His former home is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year. New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents. Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.