🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect states his intention to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic 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 been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era. However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his triumph in November. "This decision rested on the security of my family and the need to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday. Thanking a Neighborhood Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining. "To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted. "Although my address will change in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my work," he affirmed. A Contentious Issue In his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation. However his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a prominent family. Not All Mayors Stayed Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his humble Astoria home. Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River. Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins. The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family. Haunted History Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year. New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the average income. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.