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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the need to directing my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.