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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm this decision right away after his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will always live within me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.