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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to directing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change there, it will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.