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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately after his victory in November.

"The choice came down to the security of my family and the importance of focusing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

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

Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.