New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.
However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there right away after his triumph in November.
"My choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.
Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.
"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.
"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will always live a part of me and my work," he said.
In his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.
Yet his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.
Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.
Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.
Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his previous Astoria digs.
Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.
Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.
The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.
Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.
Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.
The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."
His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.
Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.
Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.
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