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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change there, it will always live within me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors 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 throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.