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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his humble Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $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.