🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor states plans to live in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his campaign. An Iconic Home Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era. But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his victory in November. "My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda voters elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine. "To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted. "Even though I'm moving there, the community will always live inside me and my work," he added. A Contentious Issue In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation. However his critics, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he came from a prominent family. Previous Exceptions Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his modest Astoria apartment. Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River. Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era. The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds. The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year. New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.