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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm he would live there immediately following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

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

But his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

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 home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.