🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani confirms plans to make his home in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his campaign. A Historic Residence Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the post-war period. But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away following his triumph in November. "The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday. Thanking a Neighborhood Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity. "To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted. "Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added. Political Debate Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant. But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he is from a well-known family. A House Not Always Used Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his previous Astoria digs. Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River. Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era. The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family. Haunted History A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily. Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year. Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford. Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.