🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani confirms plans to reside in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his run for office. An Iconic Home Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century. However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, did not confirm he would live there right away after his electoral win in November. "The choice came down to the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement. A Fond Farewell Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining. "To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he affirmed. A Contentious Issue During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation. However his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a famous family. A House Not Always Used Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home. With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River. Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins. The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year. New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents. Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.