🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor states he will live in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid. A Historic Residence Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era. But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly after his triumph in November. "The choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani on Monday. Leaving Astoria He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining. "To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted. "Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he said. A Contentious Issue During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements. Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a famous family. Previous Exceptions Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria apartment. Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River. Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era. The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily. Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year. City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents. Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.