🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor states his intention to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his election bid. A Historic Residence Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era. But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away following his triumph in November. "My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday. Leaving Astoria He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining. "To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed. "Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added. Political Debate Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant. Yet his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a well-known family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his previous Astoria digs. Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River. Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period. The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds. The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year. City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford. Data indicated Mamdani paid about $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.