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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, did not confirm this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will forever remain within me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria home.

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

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the price of rent 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.