🔗 Share this article

The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, did not confirm this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will always live inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

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

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents 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 closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.