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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

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.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability voters supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay 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 concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his humble Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed 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 floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

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

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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