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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

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

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed 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.