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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain within me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

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

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.