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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to directing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

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

A Contentious Issue

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

Yet his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald 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 furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources 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 the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.