The Mayor-Elect states he will reside in historic Gracie Mansion

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

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

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.