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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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