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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

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

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining 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 chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment.

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

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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