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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, hesitated to declare this decision immediately following his electoral win in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability voters voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

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

"Although my address will change there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

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

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