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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, hesitated to declare this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.