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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the importance of focusing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment although he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means 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 housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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 one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.