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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly after his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the importance of focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda voters supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, it will always live inside me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

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

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