🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor affirms he will reside in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue in 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. However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his triumph in November. "My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in a statement. Thanking a Neighborhood He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity. "To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted. "Even though I'm moving there, the community will always live within me and my work," he said. Political Debate During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements. Yet his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a prominent family. Previous Exceptions Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for official events, and pushed for 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 first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his humble Astoria apartment. Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River. Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins. The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year. New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford. Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.