New York's next mayor states he will make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion
New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.
An Iconic Home
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.
Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his triumph in November.
"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.
Leaving Astoria
Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.
"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.
"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.
Political Debate
During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.
But his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he is from a famous family.
Not All Mayors Stayed
Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.
Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.
A Stately Residence
When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria apartment.
Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.
Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.
The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.
Ghostly Tales
Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.
Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.
Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."
A Critical Policy Issue
His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.
City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than what many can afford.
Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.
According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.
