🔗 Share this article

New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the average income.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.