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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his victory in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain within me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.