New York's next mayor states he will make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion
New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.
A Traditional Abode
Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.
However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his electoral win in November.
"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda voters supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.
Leaving Astoria
Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.
"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.
"Even though I'm moving there, it will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.
Political Debate
In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.
However his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.
Previous Exceptions
Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.
Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.
A Stately Residence
As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.
Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.
Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.
The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.
Haunted History
Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.
Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."
Affordable Housing Lifeline
His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.
New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.
Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $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.
