🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani states his intention to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign. A Historic Residence Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period. However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his victory in November. "This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement. A Fond Farewell He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine. "To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted. "Even though I'm moving there, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed. Campaign Controversy In his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation. Yet his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment although he is from a famous family. A House Not Always Used Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his humble Astoria digs. With its pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River. Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period. The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales 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 doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises. The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year. City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford. Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.