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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

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

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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