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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.