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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will always live within me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $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.