The Mayor-Elect affirms he will live in the storied Gracie Mansion

NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his victory in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a prominent 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 time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as 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 surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.