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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.