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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live a part of me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

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

However his critics, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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