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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, hesitated to declare this decision promptly after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.