🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor states plans to reside in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his election bid. An Iconic Home Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the World War II era. However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there right away after his electoral win in November. "This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement. Leaving Astoria His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining. "To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed. "Although my address will change there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he said. Political Debate In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant. Yet his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family. Previous Exceptions Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment. Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River. Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period. The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises. Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year. New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the average income. Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.