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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 the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the imperative to directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability voters voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain within me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

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

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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