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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

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

However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.