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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 affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his victory in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.