🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor affirms his intention to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his campaign. An Iconic Home Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period. But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, did not confirm he would live there right away after his triumph in November. "The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday. Thanking a Neighborhood He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining. "To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed. "While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do," he said. Political Debate In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant. However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a famous family. Previous Exceptions Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse 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 space for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment. Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River. Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period. The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family. Haunted History Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises. Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year. Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the average income. Data indicated Mamdani paid about $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.