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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 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 affordable housing is a central issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his victory in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

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

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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