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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability voters supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

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

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his previous Astoria home.

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

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.