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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his victory in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a famous 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 Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse 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 more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

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

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

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