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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

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

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

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