The Mayor-Elect affirms plans to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion

The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, did not confirm this decision right away after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to dedicating my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.