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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 became a focal point during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly following his victory in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

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

Yet his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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