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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the imperative to directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will forever remain within me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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