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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will always live within me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

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

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.