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

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, it will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

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

Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

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

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $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.