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

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, did not confirm he would live there immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will always live a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have alleged 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 closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.