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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly after his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will always live within me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

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

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

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