🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect confirms plans to make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign. A Historic Residence Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era. But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his triumph in November. "The choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement. Leaving Astoria He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity. "To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed. "While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he affirmed. Political Debate In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation. Yet his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family. Not All Mayors Stayed Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment. Adorned in 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 historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period. The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family. Haunted History A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily. Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year. New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford. It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.