Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set to become an Upper East-sider when he moves into Gracie Mansion with his wife, Rama Duwaji, after being sworn in as New York City's mayor on January 1st. This decision comes at the end of a tumultuous campaign period during which security concerns and rent stabilization issues weighed heavily on Mamdani.
As part of his new role, Mamdani will be leaving behind his apartment in Astoria, where he shares space with his wife. The move is attributed to concerns about their family's safety, as well as the need for him to focus exclusively on implementing his affordability agenda for New York City residents.
Mamdani's decision to leave his current residence was also influenced by rent stabilization issues stemming from a proposal made by former Governor Andrew Cuomo during the election campaign. The proposed legislation would have restricted landlords from issuing new rent-stabilized leases, sparking concerns among Mamdani's opponents and neighbors alike. In the end, voters rejected Cuomo's proposals, rendering the controversy moot.
The prospect of moving into Gracie Mansion was met with skepticism by some quarters, who questioned whether Mamdani actually lived in Brooklyn or New Jersey during his winning campaign. However, Mayor-elect Adams faced similar concerns prior to taking office and ultimately moved into the mansion despite claims of paranormal activity.
In a statement, Mamdani expressed his gratitude towards his neighbors in Astoria for showing him "the best of New York City." He acknowledged that he will miss his current home but emphasized that Astoria will remain an integral part of his life's work. With the move to Gracie Mansion set to take place after the New Year's Day inauguration, city officials are awaiting confirmation on what preparations need to be made for the new mayor and his family.
As part of his new role, Mamdani will be leaving behind his apartment in Astoria, where he shares space with his wife. The move is attributed to concerns about their family's safety, as well as the need for him to focus exclusively on implementing his affordability agenda for New York City residents.
Mamdani's decision to leave his current residence was also influenced by rent stabilization issues stemming from a proposal made by former Governor Andrew Cuomo during the election campaign. The proposed legislation would have restricted landlords from issuing new rent-stabilized leases, sparking concerns among Mamdani's opponents and neighbors alike. In the end, voters rejected Cuomo's proposals, rendering the controversy moot.
The prospect of moving into Gracie Mansion was met with skepticism by some quarters, who questioned whether Mamdani actually lived in Brooklyn or New Jersey during his winning campaign. However, Mayor-elect Adams faced similar concerns prior to taking office and ultimately moved into the mansion despite claims of paranormal activity.
In a statement, Mamdani expressed his gratitude towards his neighbors in Astoria for showing him "the best of New York City." He acknowledged that he will miss his current home but emphasized that Astoria will remain an integral part of his life's work. With the move to Gracie Mansion set to take place after the New Year's Day inauguration, city officials are awaiting confirmation on what preparations need to be made for the new mayor and his family.