🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor states his intention to live in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his election bid. A Historic Residence Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century. But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his electoral win in November. "The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine. "To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain within me and the work I do," he said. Political Debate During his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant. But his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he came from a prominent family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs. Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River. Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins. The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year. City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the average income. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.