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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

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

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm this decision immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda voters voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

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

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

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

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.