The Mayor-Elect states his intention to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion
The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.
An Iconic Home
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.
However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his victory in November.
"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.
Thanking a Neighborhood
Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.
"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.
"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he said.
Campaign Controversy
During his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.
But his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a famous family.
Previous Exceptions
Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.
Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.
A Vastly Different Setting
When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his modest Astoria home.
Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.
Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.
The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.
Supernatural Speculation
Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.
Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.
Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."
Affordable Housing Lifeline
His former home is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.
New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.
It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.
