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

A Historic Residence

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

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the imperative to directing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.