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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

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

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.