🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor affirms plans to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his run for office. A Traditional Abode Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century. But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his triumph in November. "The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement. Leaving Astoria His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity. "To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed. "Although my address will change there, the community will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added. Political Debate During his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant. But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a well-known family. A House Not Always Used Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home. Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River. Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era. The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family. Haunted History A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year. City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the average income. Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.