Zohran Mamdani states his intention to make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion
New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.
A Historic Residence
Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.
But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, did not confirm he would live there immediately after his triumph in November.
"The choice came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.
Thanking a Neighborhood
He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.
"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.
"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.
A Contentious Issue
In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.
However his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.
Not All Mayors Stayed
Not every mayor have decided to stay 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 ended in 2012.
Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.
A Vastly Different Setting
As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.
Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.
Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.
The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.
Ghostly Tales
A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.
Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.
The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."
Affordable Housing Lifeline
His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.
Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.
It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.
According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.