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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

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

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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