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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

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

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

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

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his modest Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.