The Mayor-Elect states he will make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion
NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.
An Iconic Home
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.
Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his victory in November.
"This decision was based on our family's safety and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability voters supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.
Thanking a Neighborhood
His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.
"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.
"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live a part of me and my work," he affirmed.
Campaign Controversy
Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.
But his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing even though he hails from a famous family.
Not All Mayors Stayed
Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.
Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.
A Stately Residence
Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.
Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.
Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.
The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.
Haunted History
A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.
Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.
Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."
Affordable Housing Lifeline
Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.
City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.
Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.
