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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the need to directing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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