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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.