🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor affirms his intention to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid. A Traditional Abode Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era. Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm this decision promptly after his electoral win in November. "The choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement. Leaving Astoria His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining. "To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted. "Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he added. Campaign Controversy During his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant. However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he hails from a prominent family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his humble Astoria apartment. Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River. Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period. The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year. Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income. Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.