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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

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

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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