Zohran Mamdani states plans to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion

New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the need to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change there, it will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.