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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.