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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to focusing my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

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

But his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

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

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.