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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

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

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, did not confirm he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"While I may no longer live there, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.