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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

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

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $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.