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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, did not confirm he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda voters supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

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

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

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

But his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

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

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.