🔗 Share this article

The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

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 one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.