New York's next mayor states his intention to reside in historic Gracie Mansion
The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.
A Historic Residence
Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.
Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.
"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.
A Fond Farewell
He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.
"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.
"Although my address will change there, Astoria will continue to reside within me and my work," he said.
Political Debate
During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.
However his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.
Not All Mayors Stayed
Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.
Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.
A Vastly Different Setting
Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his previous Astoria apartment.
Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.
Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.
The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.
Ghostly Tales
Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.
Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.
Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."
The Value of Rent Stabilization
His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.
City residents see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.
Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.
