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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, did not confirm he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than 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.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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

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