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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, was not quick to announce this decision right away following his victory in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the need to focusing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability voters voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will continue to reside inside me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

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

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

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

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.