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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, did not confirm he would live there promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the importance of directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

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

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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