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

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, did not confirm this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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