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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

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

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.