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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his victory in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

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

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than 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 median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.