The Mayor-Elect affirms his intention to make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion
The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.
A Traditional Abode
Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.
Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his triumph in November.
"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.
Leaving Astoria
Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.
"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.
"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.
Campaign Controversy
In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.
But his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he hails from a prominent family.
A House Not Always Used
Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.
Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.
A Grand New Home
When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his modest Astoria apartment.
Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.
Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.
The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.
Ghostly Tales
Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.
Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.
Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."
Affordable Housing Lifeline
His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.
Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.
Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.
