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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda voters voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

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

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best 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.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his previous Astoria home.

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

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

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

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.