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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, did not confirm this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, it will forever remain within me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

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

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

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