NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.
Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.
However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his victory in November.
"This decision came down to our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.
He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.
"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.
"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my work," he affirmed.
Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.
However his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a famous family.
Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.
Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.
When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.
Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.
Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.
The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.
A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.
Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.
Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."
The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.
Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.
It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.
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