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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will always live inside me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $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.