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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly after his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability voters supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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