🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor affirms his intention to make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign. A Historic Residence Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the World War II era. Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly following his victory in November. "My choice was based on our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement. Leaving Astoria His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine. "To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed. "Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will continue to reside inside me and my work," he said. Campaign Controversy In his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant. However his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a prominent family. A House Not Always Used Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home. Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River. Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era. The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family. Haunted History Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises. Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year. City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income. Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.