🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor states he will reside in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid. A Traditional Abode Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era. However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, did not confirm this decision promptly following his electoral win in November. "The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity. "To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed. A Contentious Issue In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation. But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a famous family. Not All Mayors Stayed Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs. With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River. Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era. The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily. The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year. City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the average income. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.