The Mayor-Elect states his intention to make his home in historic Gracie Mansion

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

Records showed 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.