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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will forever remain inside me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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