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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"Although my address will change there, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the average income.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.