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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

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

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.