The Mayor-Elect states his intention to reside in historic Gracie Mansion
NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.
An Iconic Home
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.
However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately following his electoral win in November.
"This decision came down to the security of my family and the need to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda voters voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.
A Fond Farewell
Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.
"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.
"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.
Campaign Controversy
In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.
However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he came from a well-known family.
A House Not Always Used
Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.
In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.
A Stately Residence
As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.
Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.
Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.
The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.
Haunted History
Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.
Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.
Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."
The Value of Rent Stabilization
The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.
City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.
Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.