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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, hesitated to declare this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of focusing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will continue to reside within me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

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