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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change there, Astoria will continue to reside within me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.