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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, hesitated to declare this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his humble Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.