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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

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

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his humble Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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