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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately following his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will always live inside me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

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

Yet his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live 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 space for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.