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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to directing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will forever remain within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit 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 business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.