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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will always live within me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

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

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

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

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "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 rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

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

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