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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the imperative to directing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures 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 partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

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