The Mayor-Elect confirms he will make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion
The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.
A Traditional Abode
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.
However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, hesitated to declare this decision right away after his victory in November.
"My choice was based on our family's safety and the need to focusing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.
Thanking a Neighborhood
He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.
"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.
"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.
Campaign Controversy
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.
However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.
Previous Exceptions
Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.
Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.
A Grand New Home
Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.
With its pale yellow exterior, green shutters, 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 appointed consistent with the home's original era.
The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.
Supernatural Speculation
A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.
Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.
Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."
Affordable Housing Lifeline
His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.
Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.
Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.