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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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