🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani affirms plans to live in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his run for office. A Traditional Abode Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era. Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm this decision promptly after his electoral win in November. "This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement. A Fond Farewell His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining. "To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted. "While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said. Political Debate Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation. However his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he came from a well-known family. Previous Exceptions Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his modest Astoria home. With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River. Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period. The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former 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 even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year. City residents see such units as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents. Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.