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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 affordable apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his victory in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to dedicating my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will forever remain inside me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter 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, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

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

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