🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani affirms his intention to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his run for office. A Historic Residence Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era. However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, did not confirm this decision promptly following his triumph in November. "My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement. Leaving Astoria He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity. "To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed. "While I may no longer live there, the community will always live within me and the work I do," he said. A Contentious Issue In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation. Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family. Previous Exceptions Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his humble Astoria digs. Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River. Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period. The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily. Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year. Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents. It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.