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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the importance of focusing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside within me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.