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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the need to focusing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will forever remain within me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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