🔗 Share this article

NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his victory in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will continue to reside inside me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $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.