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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm his residency plans promptly after his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"Although my address will change there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, 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. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.