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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 became a focal point in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the best 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 said.

Political Debate

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

But his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

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

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.