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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

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

But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

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

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.