New York's next mayor states he will live in the storied Gracie Mansion

New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability voters supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents 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 closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.