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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will always live inside me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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