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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, hesitated to declare this decision right away after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability voters supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.