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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to directing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

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

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $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.