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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his victory in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

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

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, it will always live within me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing even though he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

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

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

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