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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain within me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

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

But his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

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

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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