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

New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

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

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, it will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.