🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect affirms plans to make his home in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his campaign. An Iconic Home Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century. But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November. "This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine. "To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed. "Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he added. Campaign Controversy Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant. However his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he came from a famous family. Previous Exceptions Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home. Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River. Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins. The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family. Haunted History A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year. City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income. Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $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.