Zohran Mamdani states his intention to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm this decision right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to directing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

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

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his modest Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.