New York's next mayor affirms his intention to live in historic Gracie Mansion
The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.
A Historic Residence
Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.
However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.
"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.
A Fond Farewell
He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.
"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.
"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain within me and my work," he affirmed.
A Contentious Issue
During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.
However his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he is from a famous family.
Not All Mayors Stayed
Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.
Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.
A Stately Residence
When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria digs.
With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.
Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.
The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.
Supernatural Speculation
Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.
Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."
Affordable Housing Lifeline
Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.
City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.
Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.
According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.
