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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the need to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

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

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes 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 partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.