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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will forever remain a part of me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

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

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.