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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the need to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

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

But his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his previous Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.