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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

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

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his victory in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the need to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

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

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds 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 median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.