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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, hesitated to declare this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the need to focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his humble Astoria home.

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

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.