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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, did not confirm his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

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

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

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

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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