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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, did not confirm this decision promptly after his victory in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will always live within me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.