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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes 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 previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

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

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