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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live 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 ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his modest Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

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

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