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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, hesitated to declare this decision immediately following his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant cultural enclaves 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, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his previous Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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