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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will always live within me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

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

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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 they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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