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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his victory in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda voters supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, it will forever remain within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

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

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.