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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

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

However his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

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