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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, did not confirm this decision promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

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

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors 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 for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect 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 former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

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

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed 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.