New York's next mayor states his intention to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.