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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, did not confirm this decision right away after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.