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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

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

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

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

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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