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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the need to directing my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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