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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, did not confirm his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

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

Yet his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

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

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

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