New York's next mayor affirms he will make his home in historic Gracie Mansion
New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.
A Traditional Abode
Built 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 affordable housing is a key policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.
"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.
Thanking a Neighborhood
He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.
"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.
"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.
Campaign Controversy
In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.
However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a famous family.
A House Not Always Used
Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.
In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.
A Grand New Home
When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria home.
Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.
Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.
The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has 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 wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," 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 imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.
Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.
Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.
According to real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.
